A programme to train Sri Lankan specialists of all state hospitals in dengue patient management is underway under the supervision of a team of Thai specialists led by Prof. Siripan Kalyanrooj, director of the WHO Collaboration Centre, Bangkok, according to the sources of the Health Ministry.

The training aims to provide local specialists with the latest knowledge to minimize deaths caused by dengue, and to manage the treatment of dengue patients more effectively.

Having trained specialists attached to 52 main hospitals so far, the programme will target 75 more hospitals.

The Ministry of Health is planning to set up High Dependency Units in 52 main hospitals at a cost of Rs. 5 million per unit, in parallel with this training.