Sri Lanka is truly proud of the many milestones of achievement in Women’s Health, being the country with the lowest maternal mortality among all South Asian countries, and life expectancy of women now reaching 78 years, on par with that of most developed countries, he added.

We note that many developing countries have yet to reach the MDG goals on healthcare, which have been substantially achieved by Sri Lanka. The strengthening of ties among government and non-governmental organizations, including professional societies that meet in Sri Lanka today, could be best achieved by sharing their expertise in facing up to these issues, the President further stated in his congratulation message for the FIGO SAFOG SLCOG - 2014, international conference, inaugurated today (Oct. 30) at BMICH, Colombo.

Following is the full text of the message issued by the President;

“I am pleased to send this message to the FIGO SAFOG SLCOG - 2014, international conference organized by the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists together with the International Federation and the South Asian Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The policy of my government on healthcare gives necessary importance to Women’s Health, especially maternal health, and has a clear policy on this aspect of medical care which seeks to empower women in obtaining of healthcare.

The theme of this conference “Unmet Needs in Women’s Health” is most relevant in the current context, which sees the need for more planning and better quality of the services offered to them in the special fields of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. This will help provide a common platform on issues of women’s health in all parts of the world, with the common goal of advancing the benefits of healthcare to all women.

The records indicate a high mortality rate among mothers during pregnancy and labour, as well as suffering from complications in pregnancy and childbirth that jeopardize their quality of life. Some of the problems that need attention include unplanned pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, cancers and gender based violence.

Sri Lanka is truly proud of the many milestones of achievement in Women’s Health, being the country with the lowest maternal mortality among all South Asian countries, and life expectancy of women now reaching 78 years, on par with that of most developed countries. We are glad to share our experience with the participants at this important conference.

We note that many developing countries have yet to reach the MDG goals on healthcare, which have been substantially achieved by Sri Lanka. The strengthening of ties among government and non-governmental organizations, including professional societies that meet in Sri Lanka today, could be best achieved by sharing their expertise in facing up to these issues.

I commend the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for hosting this conference in association with its South Asian and International Associates. I welcome all foreign participants to this conference and trust they will take back the best memories of Sri Lanka’s friendship and hospitality.

I wish this Conference every success”.

The FIGO SAFOG SLCOG – 2014 will be held till 2nd November 2014.(PRIU/KH)