Launch of ‘Happy and Healthy Workforce’ and felicitation program for MOH Battaramulla staff

With the rapid spread of COVID-19, the health services have had to endure new challenges in addition to their usual healing care activities. This has been an added responsibility and extra work, carried out by the Battaramulla Medical Office of Health (MOH). A felicitation program for its staff will be held on 21 December at Waters Edge.

“At the onset of the first wave of the pandemic, a great deal of work, such as identifying patients, locating associates, adopting quarantine measures and establishing of home quarantine procedures, hospitalisations, keeping and updating records, keeping authorities informed and adopting necessary follow-up procedures, was undertaken by our staff without hesitation,” said the MOH in a media release. 

“There was no hesitation even when the spread of the virus gripped the country by surprise and there was a shortage of basic protective clothing and masks in the early stages of the first wave. Our service was not limited to eight hours, instead, we worked 24 hours a day, on all 365 days of the year, regardless of holidays. Our dedicated staff continued to provide all services started during the first wave of the pandemic, such as PCR testing, antigen testing, COVID vaccinations, referral of infected expectant mothers and infants for treatment and consistently offering home treatment.”

In the release, the MOH noted that in this period, they had observed “selfless dedication” of Health Assistants, Dengue Control Assistants, Dengue Entomologists, Public Health Inspectors, Sisters, Administrative Public Health Inspectors, Public Health Nurses, Administrative Family Health Service Officers and other Family Health Service Officers, Management Assistants, Development Officers, Additional Medical Practitioners and Drivers. 

“Their relentless contribution in helping to eradicate this pandemic is well worth its value and the appreciation they have earned in this meritorious deed truly deserves public commendation. We observed staff attached to the island-wide medical services working together with great empathy, risking their lives and health to make the victims of this virus smile once again. For nearly two years, they have been making this sacrifice wrapped in polythene and bathed in sweat under inhospitable conditions. However, it now appears that the fight against this pandemic will continue for years to come.

“We feel that healing the minds of healthcare professionals are also essential and this award ceremony, which is being held under the guidance of the President, with the participation of the Minister of Health, the Governor of the Western Province and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health, and other distinguished guests, is a matter of utmost importance.”

Arrangements are being made to host this event on 21 December from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Waters Edge, Battaramulla.

“The Battaramulla Medical Officer of Health is an institution where we work happily with the belief that if an employee works happily, the quality of service he/she provides doubles and is beneficial not only to the institution but to the country as a whole.

“If a person suffers from a physical ailment or mental stress, the service he/she provides is confusing, therefore, we take steps to identify each person and support their problems as needed with essential counselling and guidance in life. At the same time, all members of the office should have the right to freedom of expression as well as their own identity. 

“At times there are stressful situations during working hours, but we can relieve stress with small sacrifices – sometimes a subtle melody or a tune heard from the sidelines can heal your mind; a distinctive moving pattern created by a myriad of ornamental fish can relax the mind, and a balanced and healthy diet will enhance health and beauty of the body. 

“Have you ever thought about your Health Age? At age 35, your Health Age could be 30 or 25, or it could be 40 or 45, thereby creating a competition to be the youngest looking one in the office that can result in that enthusiasm. It is also important to point out shortcomings as well as evaluate them on a weekly or monthly basis and seek correction from clients and provide motivation.

“The most important thing is to work happily and breed happiness, while controlling infectious and non-infectious diseases by spreading happiness. Therefore, on the same day, we will unveil this new concept presented by its founder, the Battaramulla Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jayampathy Amarasekera.”