DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
The department of Community Medicine strives to develop necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes among medical and allied health sciences graduates to promote health and well-being and to prevent disease, with other health care professionals and community agencies for the benefit of the individual patient, the family and the community as a whole.It is hoped that their practice will be community health oriented and evidence-based. They will be aware of factors and resources needed to promote health and well-being and be able to integrate this knowledge effectively in providing health care in any part of Sri Lanka.
The Department of Community Medicine is a recognized training centre for the postgraduate study programmes in M.Sc. in Community Medicine, MD in Community Medicine, Master of Philosophy.
Join a versatile team of researchers with expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, evaluation research, and divers subject areas ranging from epidemiology, statistics, demography to maternal and child health, environmental health, occupational health, social determinants of health and gender based violence.
Teaching Activities
Lectures, tutorials and small group discussions are conducted regularly by the academic staff members for the above mentioned degree programmes. In addition, students undergo an attachment at the Boralesgamuwa Medical Officer of Health office, where they gain exposure to field healthcare services. Students also conduct a research during the Community Health Stream, which is coordinated by the department.
Facilities
The department is located on the fourth floor of the Library building. It comprises the following facilities:
- Computer Laboratory
With licensed software for statistical analysis and referencing facilities is established for postgraduate students of the Faculty. The departmental technical officer is trained in network administration and will be available to assist users with data entry and statistical analysis.
- Health and Social Science Research Library
With reference books and resources in health, social sciences and related subject areas is also available for post graduate students and academic staff. Equipment required in research work such as recording devices, data storage drivers, copiers and printers and accessories are also available for students use.
THE COMMUNITY MEDICINE CLERKSHIP PROGRAMME
Our field training programme of 4 weeks duration gives you an opportunity to visit the Boralsegamuwa Medial Officer of Health area and other local public health instutions and service providers to gain life experinces in a real life setting.
Read what our students have to say about their experinces, see the Clerkship Blog
Click here to download Annexure
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY
The department along with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) of the Ministry of Health, provides health care services to the Boralesgamuwa MOH area serving a population of 60,000. Regular clinics offering maternal care, child care and family planning services are conducted on a weekly basis in the MOH area.
Grants
SIDA/SAREC Grant
- Health & Social care for the Socially Marginalized People (2003-2010)
University Research Grant
- Prevalence, associated risk factors and legal reasons among women separated/divorced from their husbands in 3 districts in Sri Lanka (2009-2011)
- Quality of perinatal care in western province : use of qualitative methods in evaluation (2009-2010)
RESEARCH FROM THE DEPARTMENT
- Street Children in Colombo : read about the risk behaviours and the determinants of such behaviours. Read more...
- Are Sri Lankan migrant workers at increased risk of death abroad? Read more...
- Funnel plots for comparing institutional performance in antenatal care. Read more...
- What is the effect on Mental health status of left behind children of migrant wokers in Sri Lanka. Read more...
- Usefulness of qualitative methods in clinical settings : perinatal care in Western province. Read more...
