Advanced cancer treatment:

China to train Lankan medical staff

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on September 2 between the Tianjin Medical University in China and the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka to exchange greater cooperation between two institutions.

According to the understanding reached between the two institutions, the Tianjin Medical University agreed to provide two months intensive training for the doctors, nurses and officials of other categories working in the Cancer Hospital in Maharagama. Under this program, 50 medical officers will be given exposure in cancer treatment technologies at the international cancer centre during the next five years.

The International Cancer Centre at the Tianjin Medical University, which is the oldest and the largest facility for the prevention and treatment of cancer in China, will host all local facilities during the training period.

Ten officials will be accommodated for the first batch of the training program which would commence in October 2009. The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing with the concurrence of the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka and the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry facilitated to sign the memorandum between two institutions.

The MoU was signed by Professor Xishan Hao, President representing the Tianjin Medical University and S. Yoganathan, Director representing the National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka.

At the signing ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel in Tianjin Gou Li Jun, Chairman, Education and Health Commission of Tianjin Municipal Government, extended his fullest support and commitment to enhance cooperation between Tianjin Municipal Government and Sri Lanka further in areas of education, sports, culture, health, trade and investment. He highlighted the recent infrastructure developments in Tianjin and revealed the commitment strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka.

He appreciated the efforts taken and support extended by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing in enhancing cooperation.

Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing K.D.S. Ruwanchandra speaking on behalf of the Ambassador said he is happy to see the outcome of the initiation taken by the Ambassador during his recent visit to Tianjin. He said the Embassy is working with Sri Lankan authorities to build closer cooperation with both the Tianjin Municipal Government and the Tianjin Medical University.