Sunday Times 2
Dr. Sanath Hettige wins WONCA South Asia Regional award
View(s):Dr Sanath Hettige has won the prestigious WONCA South Asia Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2024.
Dr. Sanath Hettige
The award from the World Organization of Family Doctors which celebrates excellence in healthcare recognizes outstanding contributions in the five key areas outlined by Dr. Charles Boelen: care provider, decision maker, communicator, community leader, and manager. The concept of the Five Star Doctor had first been described by Dr. Boelen, then of the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2000.
Consultant in Family Medicine and Senior Lecturer, Dr Hettige, has made remarkable contributions to medical research and education. He is known for his innovative treatments and inventions, such as the Oil of Dermae Moisturizing Cream and Papaya Leaf Capsules for dengue fever.
The award stated that his decision-making skills are evident in his leadership roles within government health committees and medical organizations. His communication abilities have made him a popular figure in patient health education through numerous TV programmes. As a community leader, he has played a pivotal role in improving healthcare policies and practices in Sri Lanka.
An alumnus of the University of Kelaniya, Dr Hettige has also been recognised as an innovator and inventor.
While Oil of Dermae Moisturizing Cream has been derived from Dr Hettige’s personal research, the Papaya Cap, papaya leaf extract in the mitigation of dengue fever, had been the result of more than 20 clinical research trials. The latter is certified as an approved ayurvedic intervention.
Meanwhile there were six more winners of the WONCA award in the regions of Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Iberoamerican and North America respectively.