Sunday Times 2
Royal doctors hold fund-raiser for free health programmes
View(s):The Royal College Doctors Association will hold their fifth fund-raising dinner on October 8 at the Hotel Galadari from 7 p.m. onwards. The proceeds of the dinner will be utilised to carry out the RCDA’s health programmes at Royal College, Colombo and in other schools in rural and remote areas.
As the leading boys’ school in the country, Royal College produces many medical professionals, including specialists. But until 1999, there was no organisation to bring the ‘Royal’ medical professionals together under one group and use their capabilities to promote the well being of the both students and staff of Royal College.
Under the guidance of the then principal H.L. B. Gomes, a small group comprising eighteen doctors gathered at the conference room on October 9 1999 and laid the foundation for the “Royal College Doctors’ Association” which is now popularly known as the “RCDA” .
Dr. Asela Mendis was elected the first president and Dr. Thamara Dabare the first secretary. In 2000, they started annual clinics for teachers and hostellers. In addition, the RCDA from its inception has been maintaining the sick rooms, with more than 100 students and the staff benefiting from it daily.
Dr. Ajith Tennakoon served as its present president and Dr. Sapumal Haggala as its secretary. Under their leadership, the RCDA conducted an eye clinic for Royal College students and donated spectacles for needy children.
The RCDA’s services are not only confined to Royal College. They also hold annual medical screening programmes for police officers in collaboration with the women’s wing of the Retired Police Officers Association and many other health camps in under privileged schools.
In 2013, the RCDA started an annual dental screening project. Titled “The Healthy Royal Smile”, the programme seeks to promote oral hygiene in young Royalists. In, 2014, a programme on learning support was implemented to assist the children with learning difficulties. The same year, the association also launched its website www.rcda.lk.
The association also holds career-guidance workshops for students.