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Recognizing the importance of early screening of medical problems prevalent among school children, the volunteer hands at the Royal College Doctors’ Association (RCDA) carried out the Annual School Medical Inspection Program on 9^th– 11^th of July 2019, at the Royal College premises.

In taking measures to detect and prevent diseases and ailments of subtle nature in order to ensure students’ uninterrupted wellbeing, studies, and sports, the RCDA with the patronage of the School health Officers from MOH, screened the students of Grade One, Four and Seven. In Each year, these medical examinations aimed at detecting, treating and following up on factors affecting the health and wellbeing of students such as the Nutritional status, Vision, hearing, psychological and other systemic medical illnesses.

On first two days, nearly 60 Doctors from RCDA and the Ministry of Health examined around 700 students from Grade One and Four and on the second day, about 640 students of Grade Seven were examined. In addition by adhering to the National Guidelines on De-worming Children; de-worming treatment was provided to all the Primary section students of the Royal College.

Of the students who took part in the medical checkup, those were identified with defects and diseases were referred to relevant specialized care for further investigation, treatment and follow up.

On the third day, students of Grade Seven were given “adult Tetanus and Diphtheria” (aTD) vaccine. About 520 students received the vaccine, which was the highest number of vaccinations given in a SMI program totaling 74% immunity coverage against Tetanus and Diphtheria. A team of old Royalist medical officers who are specialized in Anesthesia, Critical & Emergency care, together with School health unit staff carried out the immunization project, making certain that there were not any adverse reactions to vaccines administered against diphtheria and tetanus.

The effort and dedication of the medical ‘task force’ (RCDA) that is the Old Royalist Doctors who volunteer their expertise and sacrifice the time showing love, respect and care in returning the debt to their beloved Alma Mater must be commended and highly appreciated. A very special gratitude should be accorded to the organizers of the SMI 2019, Dr. H. R. Thambawita and Dr. P. D. Wijeratne of RCDA, for their untiring efforts in organizing and coordinating the event between the Schools Health office of the Ministry of Health and the Royal College to achieve highest immunization rate ever making this program a huge success.

Royal College Doctors’ Association’s flagship dental project “Healthy Royal Smile” is an approved project of Royal College and Royal College Union. This is the pioneer project which initiated in 2014 with introduction of “save molar project” to dental public health in Srilanka. Healthy Royal Smile 2019 was organized for the sixth consecutive year with the encouragement of the Mr B.A. Abeyratne Principal of Royal College, Royal College Union and guidance of Dr. Ajith Tennakoon, president of RCDA and fullest support from the Dental Surgeons and medical officers of RCDA. It will never be a success without tireless commitment of Chief Organizer Dr. Nilanga Peiris, Vice President of RCDA and Project Co Chairmans Dr.Venura Abeyratne and Dr.Gayan Ranaweera

Inauguration was held on 5th of July 2019 at the white board room. Ceremony was graced by the presence of Consultant Oral and Maxillo facial Surgeon Dr. Suresh Shanmuganathan, President- Common Wealth Dental Association, President Elect- Asia Pacific Dental Federation / Asia Pacific Regional Organization, immediate past president of Sri Lanka Dental Association and also a old Royalist as the Chief Guest. Mr. M. V. S. Gunathilake- Senior Deputy Principal, Deputy Principals, Assistant Principals and the staff members were represented the Royal College. Mr. Mithila Mendis- Secretary of Royal College Union, Maj. Dr. Hiran Wimalarathne- Assistant Secretary of RCU and Mr.Channa Gunasekara Treasurer of RCU represented Royal College Union. Mr Nadun Chandrarathne-Secretary of Loyalty Pledge was among the invitees. In his speech the chief guest praised the effort of RCDA for initiating and maintaining of this project.

Inauguration ceremony was followed by the screening of the 329 students of grade two section and after evaluation of data based on international standards, 94 students with high risk to develop dental caries in permanent dentition were selected for application of fissure sealants on 1^st permanent molar teeth. Application of the fissure sealants for susceptible molar teeth of young Royalists is the pinnacle of the preventive effort, which is fully funded by the RCDA and carried out by the dental surgeons of the RCDA. All the students will be followed up and rescreened biannually and risk population identification, health education, treatment and evaluation will be continued.

Ministry of health is also highly praised RCDA’s pioneer “Save” molar project’’ and currently on discussion to introduce to all schools in Sri Lanka.

Recognizing the importance of frequent medical examinations among school children, the volunteer hands at the Royal College Doctors’ Association (RCDA), in collaboration with the Loyalty Pledge, carried out the annual grade 06  screening programme on June 22^nd  at college  premise.

Each year, these medical examinations determine factors such as Nutritional status, vision, hearing, psychological and other systemic illnesses. Past Royalist doctors participated in the screening process.

Total number of students screened were 613 and 246 found to have medical problems. Medical problems divided as follows

Of the students who took part in the medical checkup, those diagnosed with defects and diseases were referred to relevant clinics for investigation, treatment and follow up.

The RCDA wishes to convey its gratitude to Mr.B.A.Abeyrathne – the Principal of the Royal College, Mr Mithila Mendis, Secretary of RCU, Dr.Ajith Thennakoon – the President of the RCDA for their advice, guidance and encouragement. A special thank should be delivered to Dr Deshan Adihetti and Dr Amila Pathmathilake who had coordinated RCDA with the school authority and made a relentless effort in organizing a large scale event  like this successfully

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The effort and dedication of the medical ‘task force’ at RCDA, that is the Old Royalists who volunteer their time and care must be commended and appreciated for the reason that they put much love and care in giving back to their beloved alma mater.

The Royal College Doctors Association (RCDA) conducted the Annual Health screening Programme for the students of the Royal College Hostel on the 30th June for the year 2019. This was aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of the hostellers, who stay away from their homes and parents and under the care of the warden and school. Over 200 Students were screened and were referred to specialist opinion if needed. Specialists Doctors in General Pediatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Dermatology, Rheumatology, Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine and Psychiatry were present for specialized consultations and management. Eye and Dental clinics were stationed for detailed and extensive screening and treatment. Those students who have been identified to have chronic illnesses, referrals were done to specialized clinics for further investigations and follow ups.

For The second consecutive year special programme for adopting new environment and coping stressful situations was conducted for the grade 6 newcomers and proper identification of childhood behavior abnormalities for their parents are done by past royalist Pediatrics child psychiatrists Dr Wajantha Kothalawala and Miyuru Chandradasa simultaneously. Dr Ajith Thennkoon, President of RCDA, Mr Dhanuddara, the Warden, Royal College Hostel, and Mr. Mithila Mendis the Hon. Secretary of the RCU were also present at the event. The event was organized by Dr. Ashan George and Dinesh Pathiraja who made tireless effort to make this event a huge success.