Patient-centric reform was a central topic at Sri Lanka’s annual national cardiology forum, where medical professionals reviewed current treatment frameworks and emphasized the need for structured, accessible, and evidence-based cardiac care across the country.
Healthcare specialists discuss patient-centric reform to improve national cardiac services
The annual session of the College of Cardiology, held at Cinnamon Life, brought together senior cardiologists, registrars, and healthcare practitioners for a detailed review of national cardiac care challenges. The highlight of the event was the address delivered by Dr. Sivathasan Cumaraswamy, Consultant in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the Heart, Lung & Vascular Centre of Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, who examined how patient-centric reform can support more consistent and equitable outcomes across Sri Lanka’s healthcare system.
Dr. Sivathasan, attending as Guest of Honour, outlined the progression of global cardiovascular medicine, including areas such as genetic markers, regenerative therapies, diagnostic technology, and precision-driven treatment. While acknowledging these advancements, he stressed that their relevance depends on whether they can be implemented efficiently and reach patients without delays or access barriers. He noted that aligning clinical practice with emerging research requires both institutional readiness and policy support.
In his remarks, Dr. Sivathasan emphasized that preventive cardiology should be incorporated into everyday environments, including educational institutions, workplaces, and households. According to him, the integration of preventive practices into daily habits can reduce long-term disease burdens and strengthen national cardiac health. He added that prevention is most effective when it forms part of an organized public health framework structured around measurable outcomes and accessible interventions.
A significant portion of his address focused on disparities in healthcare access. Dr. Sivathasan noted that several rural communities and economically vulnerable groups face challenges in securing timely cardiovascular treatment. Inconsistent access to screening, diagnostics, and specialist care continues to affect these segments, which he identified as an area requiring clear policy and infrastructural attention. He recommended that future healthcare strategies prioritize equitable distribution of resources, standardized screening programs, and coordinated treatment pathways.
Dr. Sivathasan’s participation was supported by IHH Healthcare, a major integrated healthcare provider with international operations. The organization’s involvement reflects ongoing collaboration between Sri Lankan institutions and global medical networks working to enhance clinical training, research exposure, and operational standards in the local healthcare environment. The engagement further supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to align its cardiology services with recognized international practices.
The forum encouraged discussion across multiple cardiac disciplines, with clinicians sharing observations on the strategic shifts needed to strengthen patient-oriented care models. Several participants noted that the development of patient-centric reform requires coordinated action across administrative, educational, and clinical sectors, with an emphasis on structured protocols, digital health integration, and continuous professional development.
Post-event feedback highlighted the relevance of the themes discussed, particularly as Sri Lanka evaluates how to modernize its cardiovascular care systems to meet current and future demands. Participants acknowledged the importance of collaboration between policymakers, hospitals, and international partners in building an environment that supports structured, regulated, and measurable improvements in patient treatment.
The event concluded with a shared understanding that consistent reform is needed to enhance quality, efficiency, and accessibility in cardiology services. With continued collaboration and the ongoing support of organizations such as IHH Healthcare, Sri Lanka is positioned to advance patient-focused cardiac care while strengthening its broader healthcare framework.