Regional Director of Health Services - Hambantota

Hambantota District is located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. It has an area of 2,593 km² . Hambantota District has a population of 596,617 of whom 96% are considered rural residents. The district consist of 12 Medical Officer of Health areas and 47 PHI areas.

The Regional Director of Health Services is responsible for all administrative matters pertaining to health in the area. To accomplish this task, the RDHS is supported by the Regional Epidemiologist, Medical Officer (Maternal & Child Health), Medical Officer (Non Communicable Diseases) and Medical Officer (Planning). Within this district level framework, the Medical Officers of Health in each MOH area is responsible for all public health related activities. Under the guidance of the Medical Officer of Health, the public health officials such as Supervising Public Health Inspector, Public Health Nursing Sisters, Public Health Inspectors and Public Health Midwives collaborate to secure and improve the health of the people in the relevant MOH areas.

During the years 2014 to 2016, FAIRMED FOUNDATION provided overseas and local training for Medical Officers, Physiotherapists and Public health inspectors on Leprosy and also provided training on Information Technology for the purpose of improving the knowledge on IT among the health staff.

Furthermore, Hambantota District Leprosy Team successfully conducted Awareness Programs for the public, Medical Officers, Public Health Inspectors, Mothers of Antenatal Clinics and pre-school children in Leprosy low endemic areas throughout the year. Along with the above, FAIRMED FOUNDATION also supported the upgrading of existing facilities at the Satellite Clinic situated in Tissamaharamaya, Dermatology Clinc at General Hospital Hambantota and Regional Epidemiology Unit and Health Education Unit in the RDHS office by providing equipment, stationery and transport facilities for Leprosy control activities.

In addition, the PHI Leprosy in Hambantota District was facilitated by providing transport and communication facilities to enhance the efficiency of dealing with Leprosy patients.

The ultimate target of the Regional Director of Health Services- Hambantota was to facilitate and implement more and more programs/ activities to control Leprosy in an effective and efficient manner in Hambantota District with the maximum support of FAIRMED FOUNDATION.

Map of Hambantota district with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas