GSK collaborates with Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists

• Launches e-learning platform to strengthen respiratory medical education

GSK Sri Lanka has taken the initiative to launch a globally recognised education program for healthcare professionals known as CARE; Clinical Advances in Respiratory Education in collaboration with the Sri Lanka College of pulmonologists.

CARE is an academic initiative on respiratory medicine presented by GSK Sri Lanka, which will be an online learning platform where the participants could enrol, and complete learning modules related to respiratory medicine at their convenience. All the learning materials available on the platform are developed by leading expert medical professionals and upon completion of each module, the participant is being granted CPD points.

GSK is a leading multinational pharmaceutical company with a mission to help people “Do more, Feel better and Live longer.” As a part of this mission GSK has been facilitating numerous educational initiatives across the country for many decades, and having the global footprint has enabled GSK Sri Lanka to bring best in class educational programs to develop the knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals enabling them to make the most appropriate treatment decisions for their patients.

The latest initiative with Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists is yet another milestone in its medical education journey.

Here are some perspectives from GSK and leading pulmonologists in the country.

GSK Brand Manager – Respiratory Prasad Magammana said: “Since the beginning of COVID-19 as a pandemic, most of the scientific medical activities were shifted to an online format, in the form of webinars, to maintain continuous medical education (CME). For patients to benefit from novel medical innovations, guidelines and management practices HCPs need to access and understand the latest available data and clinical use of the products. 

“Our ability to provide or clarify new data and management guidelines to HCPs plays a crucial part in this process. Further, we assessed physicians’ attitude among different medical specialties towards this sudden and unexpected shift and wanted to bring an innovative learning experience. CARE is a program that matches the modern-day requirement of the HCPs, where they have the luxury to decide when they learn and how they learn.”

Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists Immediate Past President Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Nandika Harischandra said: “COVID-19 pandemic has changed our way of life in many aspects. Offering a solution to the challenge of updating the knowledge in COVID era GSK has come forward with the CARE Sri Lanka program, which is an e based self-learning platform. Since this program covers very important aspects of respiratory medicine such as Asthma, COPD and Allergic rhinitis, I sincerely hope that Sri Lankan doctors will enjoy this learning journey and gain maximum benefit to update knowledge in respiratory medicine. I thank GSK for this great initiative, and I wish all the very best.”

Sri Lankan College of Pulmonologists Academic Chair Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Dushantha Madagedara said: “Because of the pandemic, every step of the education has changed and we are in a constant effort to find new avenues to update the knowledge of the medical fraternity. I am very happy as the academic chair of SLCP to have partnered with GSK to collaborate in launching this program that will support Sri Lankan doctors in continuously engaging and developing their knowledge through an innovative e-learning platform.”

Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists President Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Geethal Perera said: “I am happy to note that GSK, a pioneering company in Respiratory care, has taken this initiative to introduce this innovative and friendly educational platform to the Sri Lankan Doctors in collaboration with Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists. Especially in these unprecedented times, it is important for every doctor, no matter what field they are in, to have updated knowledge in the basics of respiratory medicine. 

“This is a convenient and a risk-free pathway to brush up the essentials of respiratory medicine within the comfort of their own homes or clinics. Local academics have reviewed the content of the course and have ensured that it remains relevant to the local context while retaining all the innovative features of the platform. Every participant will be awarded a certificate with the endorsement of the college at the successful completion of this course. I believe Sri Lankan doctors and the patients will be benefitted alike from this exercise.”

GSK Sri Lanka Head of Medical Dr. Chatura Jayakody said: “CARE is a knowledge hub, which will go through continuous evaluations, and we are committed to update the modules to bring the maximum benefit to the participants. It’s a great privilege to lead this project in Sri Lanka and most importantly, this reflects GSK’s continued commitment to partner in medical education. I wish all the Sri Lankan doctors very best in the CARE journey.”