PC Pharma Private Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of PCH Holdings, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost pharmaceutical companies, in yet another innovative effort to enhance the dispersion of medical standards in the island recently conducted a seminar and training session on the effects, symptoms and results of ‘painful knee’ to the doctors of the Galle District.

“This ailment is very common among Sri Lankans today, however it is not only neglected but is virtually un-diagnosed mainly due to the concept that it is a minor ailment and will soon pass. The detrimental effects of painful knee, if not addresses early and treated carefully will affect an individual throughout his or her life. Neglecting the pain or limiting treatment to traditional over the counted remedies not only causes further harm to the knee itself, but will compound the issue to a large extent. Through educating the General Practitioners on the causes, symptoms and treatment of painful knee, what we aimed to accomplish was a spread of awareness about the condition and the necessary treatments to the doctors in the Galle District,” said Mr. Sean Sheriff, Head of Training and Brand Development, PC Pharma.

The limited resources available in areas outside of Colombo severely limit the spread of information and technology to areas such as the coastal belt. What resources that are available are channeled towards more serious conditions such as the painful knee syndrome – which can be cured early and effectively and prevent more harm being done to the joint later on in life -  are neglected. Through the training programme, PC Pharma aims to educate General Practitioners on the symptoms of Painful knee and channel the patient to a specialist where the correct care can be obtained. The training programme also looked into the provision of temporary care till the patient can be examined by a specialist and the proper remedial action taken. The correct technique of examining and identifying the symptoms of painful knee as opposed to a simple sprain or twist was thought to the doctors present.

The presentation on the orthopedic condition, which contributes to the development of Painful Knee, was carried out by Dr. Rukshan Sooriyarachchi, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. During the presentation, Dr. Sooriyachchi stressed on the importance of training programs to areas where resources and awareness was lower than that available in Colombo. “The symptoms of Painful Knee are often mistaken for simpler and less detrimental injuries such as common sprains and twists. Many General Practitioners simply prescribe a topical balm and send the patient home, little knowing that the injury will become worse and the bone will deteriorate over time leading to extreme pain and in certain situations the need for knee replacement surgery. Our aim through this educational event was to prevent this from occurring to as great an extent as possible.”

The traditional lack of resources available in rural areas is a major set back in the medical field. Although Galle is famous for bright minds and sharp intellect, the limited advantages available to doctors in these areas is a situation PC Pharma is actively trying to improve. The extent to which practitioners in this area go to on behalf of their patients is little known and under appreciated.

Speaking on the future plans of contributing to the development of facilities and training in the field of medicine Mr. Dilshard Ikram, General Manager, PC Pharma was enthusiastic about the response garnered by the event and the hopes of conducting more of the same not only in the Galle area but island wide. “As a company we have always looked at what’s best for our stakeholders. We felt privileged to mingle with learned doctors in the southern region, who bring the experience and professional relationships built and nurtured over the years with the medical fraternity. By providing our doctors with better options and improving the skills available to them we aim to not only enhanced their abilities but also improved the treatment levels available to the patients. In the end the goals of the doctors and of PC Pharma is to provide the public with the best possible treatment.”