Family Health/ Communicable and Non-Communicable disease epidemiology and prevention/ Health promotion/ Environment and occupational health
Responsibilities of the preventive Health Unit:
• Provincial focal agency responsible for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent and youth health (RMNCAYH) programme in central province.
• Provides technical guidance for district health care systems in planning, implementing and monitoring the RMNCAYH programme.
• Evaluation of preventive Health activities
• Technical support for special events and activities (develop preventive health services in estates, Occupational health, prevention of water borne diseases.)
• Surveys and operational research
• Coordinate with technical units of the MOH and other departments to ensure implementation of projects.
The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) forms the critical frontline of the island's public health system, functioning as the operational hub for preventive and promotive healthcare within a defined geographical area known as a MOH area. The geographical demarcation in most MOH areas is similar to the Divisional Secretary areas. Currently, Public Health Services are provided through the 49 medical Officers of Health units in the Central Province. Its services are comprehensive, designed to cater to the community from womb to tomb. A cornerstone of its work is the RMNCYAH program, which provides antenatal and postnatal care, growth monitoring, immunizations, and nutritional advice, drastically reducing maternal and infant mortality. Curative and preventive dental health services are provided via community dental surgeons and school dental therapists. The MOH staff meticulously manages the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI), ensuring vaccines reach every child through its network of public health midwives and field clinics, directly combating infectious diseases. In the realm of communicable disease control, the MOH office acts as the first line of surveillance and response, investigating outbreaks of diseases like dengue, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis, conducting vector control activities, and managing contact tracing and directly observed therapy for TB patients. Furthermore, it spearheads non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention by promoting healthy lifestyles. Environmental health is another vital mandate, with Public Health Inspectors attached to the office monitoring water quality, inspecting food establishments for hygiene, ensuring proper solid waste management, and regulating housing and sanitation standards. The staff also delivers school health services, adolescent health programs, occupational health initiatives, and plays a pivotal role in health education and promotion within the community. During emergencies and disasters, MOH is indispensable, coordinating public health responses, ensuring continuity of care, and preventing epidemics In essence, the MOH office integrates these multifaceted services directly within communities, translating national health policy into action and safeguarding population health through a holistic, preventive approach.
Maternal and Child Health
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program, which provides antenatal and postnatal care, growth monitoring, immunizations, and nutritional advice, drastically reduced maternal and infant mortality. Meticulously managed Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), ensuring vaccines reach every child through its network of public health midwives and field clinics, directly combating infectious diseases.
School Health
School health activities form a vital component of preventive public health. These programs focus on the holistic well-being of students through regular health screenings, including vision, hearing, and basic dental checks, alongside growth monitoring, nutritional assessments and enabling and empowering students to promote and monitor their own health. The MOH team administers routine immunizations such as adult Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccine and Human Papilloma Vaccine and provides essential deworming treatments within the school setting. Crucially, they deliver targeted health education on topics such as personal hygiene, nutrition, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and reproductive health. This proactive approach aims to detect health issues early, promote healthy lifestyles, and create a safer, more supportive school environment.
Well-women services
The provision of screening services to detect early signs of cancer (breast, cervical, oral) as well as non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (as assessed through BMI) is done through well women clinics. These services are for women of reproductive age, mainly targeting 35 year and 45 year age cohorts.
Family Planning
Family planning services are delivered primarily by Public Health Midwives, Public Health Inspectors and MOH staff through home visits and field clinics, these services ensure universal access. They offer a comprehensive range of contraceptive choices, including oral pills, injectables, implants, intrauterine devices, and condoms, alongside expert counselling to support informed decision-making. The program integrates family planning with maternal and child health, adolescent health, and reproductive health education. This proactive, client-centered approach empowers individuals and couples to plan their families, thereby improving maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
Oral health
Oral health services within Sri Lanka's public health sector are a vital preventive and curative component. These services, aimed at promoting good dental hygiene and addressing issues early, are delivered through a dedicated cadre of professionals. Community Dental Surgeons operate from MOH offices, providing screenings, health education, and essential treatments via clinic based and spot mobile clinics . Furthermore, Adolescent Dental Surgeons and School Dental Therapists are based directly within schools, offering routine screenings, preventive care like fluoride applications, oral health promotion, and basic treatments to students. This integrated, community-focused approach ensures accessible dental care from childhood through adulthood.
