Health Care Archives

October 30, 2020

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Nadeera Nilupamali, Co-Founder ImmunifyMe, by Shameena Pallie

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity.” Marie Curie

With the development of communication technology and availability of data, the world has become smaller, flooding every individual with a myriad types of information, accessible at a click of a button. Using technology for a good cause requires not just rational thinking, but also a deep sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of society. Today we speak to one such person who dedicated her efforts and knowledge towards uplifting not just the nation, but the world at large. The pearl of the Indian Ocean has produced a gem of an individual, Dr Nadeera Nilupamali, who has made a global impact in the competitive health industry, with the introduction of a revolutionary software system; ImmunifyMe (immunify.me).

Over the years, Sri Lanka has been facing challenges in maintaining records pertaining to a child’s immunization. Despite efforts to keep the immunization card safe, it was identified that the document either gets lost or destroyed. The ImmunifyMe system was created with the objective of maintaining immunization records to resolve this issue.

The passion to keep everyone safe, helping the less fortunate, and the desire to keep society updated in taking safety precautions, was the idea behind this unique software system. This technology ensures no child is left behind. We, at Lanka Business News had the privilege of meeting Dr Nadeera Nilupamali, a scholar, virologist, researcher and entrepreneur, who offers the world a brilliant solution, and long awaited good news for physicians and care givers.

Q1. ImmunifyMe has gained Global Recognition. How did you reach such Heights?

The foundation of any startup is all about trust. ImmunifyMe was co-founded by me in 2017 along with my brother and a trusted business partner. Overcoming all odds, the project ‘ImmunifyMe’ has been recognized internationally, while creating a sound global presence. I believe that it holds a promising future in the entire global health sector, especially with our expansion to countries such as Chile, Luxembourg, India and countries in the African continent. We have also introduced ImmunifyMe in Sri Lanka, with the intention of giving a solution to the challenges in storage and accessibility of data. Our primary application is to replace the ‘Child Health Record Book’ with a digitized card. This will give Doctors, decision makers & parents a guaranteed, recorded & up-to-date method of managing the child immunization process. ImmunifyMe has great potential in contributing to this very important segment in the global health arena.

Q2. How does ImmunifyMe help users?

ImmunifyMe has transformed the tracking process, replacing paper with instant data; anytime, anywhere in the world. The system ensures the availability of comprehensive recorded information about the child’s immunization process. A tedious task of recording data manually, with no set system of storage or retrieval of such vital data, is taken over by ImmunifyMe. Due to the integrated reminding system, around the clock updates and retrieval of data, ImmunifyMe is a convenient tool, especially apt during an outbreak.

Our Health Care system is run by highly skilled and hard working professionals. However, their true potential sometimes is not utilized due to time constraints in data retrieval or data collection. Most systems at present use analog technology or manual recording methods. Our products will help digitalize some of the most crucial areas in the health sector making the system much more efficient than anything we have had. Applications that we are hoping to introduce will make life easy for a great number of health sector staff, and other users such as researchers and individuals, as it is relevant to present times. This could be just the first step of many ventures for multiple aspects in the health industry.

Q3. What made you take the Overseas Market first and now Sri Lanka?

There is a general notion that local inventions are not on par, and often below international standards. The idea that technology and products introduced from overseas are far superior is sometimes detrimental to locally produced exceptional offerings. Even though Sri Lankans are capable, and have come up with amazing concepts and inventions, some of it do not survive or come to life from the drawing boards, due to this misconception in society. Therefore, many inventors in Sri Lanka have not been able to introduce their ground breaking innovations. I thought of overcoming this challenge by working around the system. As a result my company ImmunifyMe, is an internationally accredited, proven and tested brand, with a local heritage.

Q4. Tell us about Dr Nadeera Nilupamali?

I consider myself fortunate to have been born to such a wonderful family as mine. Being the youngest with two older brothers, I was protected and loved unconditionally. My mother was a teacher and my father was in business. My foundation was laid by a well-rounded family with an educational and entrepreneurial background. The caring environment I grew up in, inspired me to be the considerate, passionate person I am today, especially when it comes to contributing towards the progression of society.

I am an award winning young Scientist who has, against all odds, been a pioneer in the Sri Lankan startup culture. I believe in this quote by Tom Fletcher, more than anything in my life.

“An achievement is not a finish line; it’s a checkpoint on a far greater journey. It’s a moment to pause, to take a breath and look back and enjoy what you’ve experienced and be grateful for it, but then to turn around and look towards the next checkpoint, the next achievement.” Tom Fletcher.

This is my mantra and living by it is my key to success; always looking for the next opportunity to help my Motherland. Looking back, I have never given up in the face of adversary. Disappointments were some of the greatest lessons in my life. I overcame my challenges, and never stopped. Every obstacle and stumbling block, only made me stronger. Every situation was an inspiration to accomplish more.

Q5. How does your Service contribute to Government and Private sectors, and Society at large?

If one thing is true about our products & concepts, we are totally innovative & from another era! Of course competition is strong in any market, especially for a good product; but I can tell you with absolute confidence, that the products we offer are truly revolutionary. You can produce medicine, & even counterfeit them, but futuristic ideas are only born in one’s wisdom. Creativity cannot be copied. It is only a gift that must be used wisely.

We are facing an unprecedented pandemic and going through a challenging time with the spread of COVID 19. We can witness the relentless efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to keep the public safe, albeit a huge price and numerous sacrifices. We are in the process of developing and testing an online application to keep every Sri Lankan safe. This application will allow them to attend their regular daily chores without hindering the safety of the community. This application, once implemented will allow us to get back to our normal lives as a nation that has adapted well. We hope that our efforts towards this cause will contribute to the advancement of Sri Lanka, and help re-start our nation.

We are constantly innovating and creating ideas that are ground breaking; to offer products that will make a global impact. The way the world is evolving, the very fabric of society keeps changing. That will not stop us from revolutionizing and continuously improvising.

Q6. What do you envision for the Future?

My dream is that one day “immunify.me” will become a global giant with a Sri Lankan footprint. Most importantly, I envision a world that could save the 3 million children that are deprived from vaccination. I want this system to be fully utilized in the health industry as a reliable tool for enhancing the health & wellbeing of society.

Q8. Your advice to an upcoming Scientist?

Do not try to ‘fit into a system’. Challenge it. Never confine yourself to limiting beliefs. This calls for unwavering faith in yourself and a clearly defined greater purpose of life. Fuel that end goal with passion. Most importantly do not research on any subject unless you have a passion for it.

Q9. How does a Sri Lankan Education help build a ‘Think tank’ of Intellects?

I could proudly say my roots run through our education system. Of course the global exposure and my professional education, from a variety of world renowned prestigious institutions helped shaped my career and entire life. I can see a growing trend towards information communication technology and robotics for children, in schools. It is evident that technology is an undoubtedly important subject to be included in the curriculum. I am pleased to see a more futuristic and progressive approach to the education in Sri Lanka, which is a clear sign of national development. Amongst world geniuses, we have had many Sri Lankans who are the outcome of our education. I am happy and grateful that it is available for everyone. I hope, one day every Sri Lankan child will be enrolled as a student in their own specialization in universities.

Q10. Your greatest Success Story?

In the year 2018 we had an opportunity to participate in a global event, “Startup Thailand 2018“, held in Bangkok, Thailand. This competition was designed to identify ‘ideas that would have a Global Impact’. We presented our idea at this competition, amongst 20,000 other great concepts. Around 150-200 such ideas were shortlisted and allowed to be presented before an eminent panel of judges. I successfully presented “immunify.me” – this was our first time as ImmunifyMe on a stage! Making my country and family proud, this was the very first time “Immunify.me” had a global audience and was awarded “Top Global Impact Performer”. This, to me was a real milestone in our journey and my greatest success story – a day I will always reminisce with great pride and gratitude. The award and exposure is evidence that we can achieve more than we could ever imagine. Fix your goals, strategize and move, never looking back until you reach the pinnacle.

Doctor Nadeera tells us how her upbringing was instrumental in shaping her thoughts, especially when it comes to constantly looking for ways of giving back to the world. Her greatest inspiration and motivation comes from one of our greatest assets; children, the future of our country. The undoubtable truth of becoming a solid society and culture, solely depends on our foundation that has to be strong. Our children must be immune to sustain and take our society to the next level.

A true patriot, Dr Nilupamali, has placed Sri Lanka on the world map, and we are indeed proud to see such talent from our little nation. ImmunifyMe has had immense success, and gained global recognition, thus placing the offering on a significantly high level of acceptance and credibility. We at LBN ardently hope to see many more such talented intellectuals, who are passionately driving a ‘social mission’ for a better world.

June 11, 2020

Listed amongst top global players : Local Software Solution Specialist BILEETA ( Pvt) Ltd became the first Sri Lankan software company to be listed by The Global Fund, as a leading software solutions provider in the healthcare logistics industry that adheres to the highest level of global standards for off-the-shelf applications for healthcare supply chain logistics management information systems (LMIS) to be used in resource-constrained environments.

This recognition adds unparalleled prestige and international credibility to BILEETA as an innovator, problem solver and a next generation software solutions provider.

Taking Sri Lanka to the world; This title also paves the way in positioning Sri Lanka as a top destination for software buyers to discover, research and ultimately connect with for innovative, future-centric and pioneering healthcare logistics software solutions.

The Global Fund that works in collaboration with leading international welfare institutions and programmes such as Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNDP and USAID, is at the forefront when it comes to uplifting global healthcare standards through the use of innovative solutions and effective heath programme and is acclaimed for mobilizing and investing more than US$ 4 billion annually to support programmes run by local experts in more than 100 countries.

This incidentally is not the only international accolade clinched by BILEETA. They have also in the past been slated by Design Square and Accenture as a promising application of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in Public Health Supply Chains for developing countries. The solution is already deployed in Nepal, where it is praised for being a fully-featured eLMIS solution, with warehouse management system (WMS) and logistics management information system (LMIS) functionality. Further, its multi-user interfaces including web browsers, smartphones and tablets, and ability to work online and offline make it perfect for use in challenging environments in developing countries.

“The trust placed in our solution by the Global Fund as being the most compliant solution for healthcare logistics software solutions has been instrumental in giving us an advantage in pursuing new opportunities to bag some large scale international projects that we as a Sri Lankan company are proud to take on. Being named a leader in this arena is also an important validation of our long-term strategic focus in this service space” commented Sanji De Silva, CEO of BILEETA.

Powering futuristic ERP solutions for both multinationals as well as the SME’s , BILEETA has become a great catalyst for Sri Lanka in designing the most complete, comprehensive, connected and user friendly solution where no other supplier has been able to match their breadth, depth and domain expertise in the healthcare logistics software solutions industry .

March 28, 2020

Photo-01-The-Atlas-AGV-Robot-at-the-Homagama-Base-Hospital.jpeg

Gifts prototype to Homagama Hospital and offers to share technology in the interest of the nation

Atlas Axillia PLC, a subsidiary of the Hemas Group, has gifted a fully homegrown Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) robot to the Homagama Base Hospital, to assist medical personnel in the remote monitoring and care of patients affected by the Coronavirus.

The company announced that the prototype, a first of its kind in Sri Lanka, is currently undergoing live tests at the Homagama Base Hospital, where the Atlas team behind the invention is working closely with hospital staff to understand and address any functional concerns. The company will subsequently make the technology of this prototype available for select individuals or organizations that wish to produce more units to fight the pandemic.

The Atlas AGV Robot at the Homagama Base Hospital

Dr. Indika Jagoda, the Regional Director of Health Services, Colombo lauded the launch of the prototype AGV. “It is truly remarkable that a Sri Lankan company has developed a home grown robotic medical assistant. The advancement of technological development is vital in the fight against this pandemic. The ready access to patients that healthcare workers have without putting themselves at risk, thanks to the AGV robot, is truly a massive advantage in the fight against COVID-19,” he said.

The AGV can carry food and medicine to patients and perform basic medical check-ups, such as checking temperatures. It also enables doctors to monitor patients remotely, while having conversations with them through the cameras mounted on it. In addition to this, the AGV can charge itself using a wireless charging port, further reducing its physical proximity to healthcare workers. The use of the AGV will automate patient monitoring, thereby enabling healthcare workers to apply their expertise in managing the crisis more efficiently and to stay safe while saving lives.

Speaking on the initiative, Asitha Samaraweera, Chief Executive Officer, Atlas Axillia said, “I am extremely proud of our team for creating a solution to address one of the challenges our medical personnel are facing today in the country with respect to infectious diseases such as the Coronavirus. We humbly share this invention to further the national cause to effectively combat COVID-19. We are gifting the prototype to the Homagama Hospital, as it is a designated facility to treat COVID-19 patients exclusively”.

“As a company with the national interest at heart for over 60 years, we have remained focused on contributing to Sri Lanka’s economy by investing in the country. This innovation by our team is the best way for us to do so in this critical time of need, ensuring that we are enabling our healthcare workers to fight the spread of this pandemic more efficiently,” Asitha Samaraweera added.

Currently, healthcare providers who work closely with infected patients use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when treating them, at great physical discomfort to themselves. The deployment of the AGV will ease this burden to a great extent, where one-on-one patient interaction is focused on mandatory and critical health requirements.

Dr. Janith Hettiarachchi, Medical Superintendent, Base Hospital Homagama, thanked Atlas Axillia for stepping in to help the nation at this crucial juncture. “The most important thing in a situation like this is keeping our staff safe. If even one of our staff is infected, the entire team will have to undergo quarantine, upsetting the entire operation. To have a robotic nursing assistant doing the work that a human healthcare worker would otherwise have to do, significantly reduces the chance of an infection and is therefore invaluable. This is apart from the large monetary saving the state makes, from not having to use multiple sets of expensive PPEs by healthcare workers to interact with patients each day.”

The AGV was developed by a team of innovators within the manufacturing and engineering division of Atlas, led by Viraj Jayasooriya, COO / Director Operations. The team, which practices manufacturing innovation, developed the AGV originally as a robotic assistant to carry goods within the Atlas production facility. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the team immediately began innovating the existing model to create a machine that can be used at hospitals, as a remote medical assistant.

Viraj Jayasooriya from Atlas said, “Our teams designed and fabricated the entire robot from scratch and have been working around the clock the past few days to perfect the modifications that will enable it to monitor COVID-19 patients. Medical professionals are constantly in danger of being exposed in the frontlines. With the AGV in place, we can minimize the need to send humans inside the ward, as the robot goes to each bed in multiple wards and allows the remote monitoring of patients by doctors. We welcome organisations who are interested in scaling up the production of this robot, in order to deploy them for the support of more medical personnel combating COVID-19.”

Atlas intends to secure all design and patent rights in respect of this invention as soon as the circumstances permit it, in order proceed with further development.

Dignitaries from Atlas and its parent company Hemas observing the AGV in action at the Homagama Base Hospital. Dignitaries present include Steven Enderby, Group CEO – Hemas Holdings (3rd from right); Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson Managing Director – Hemas Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. / Hemas Logistics and Maritime Cluster (left); Asitha Samaraweera, CEO – Atlas Axillia (2nd from left); Viraj Jayasuriya, COO / Director Operations – Atlas Axillia (4th from left) and Dayan Harsha Marabedda, Manager Automations – Atlas Axillia (centre)

About Atlas Axillia Co. (Private) Limited,

Atlas Axillia Co. (Private) Limited, formerly known as Ceylon Pencil Company (Private) Limited, was founded in 1959 and has since grown to become Sri Lanka’s market leader in school stationery manufacturing. Fuelled by a passion for providing school children with essential tools for success, “Atlas” has created a strong connection with Sri Lankan consumers, being voted No. 1 School Supply Brand of the year 2020 at the People’s Choice Awards and has also recently won many national and international awards for excellence including the National Quality Award 2018 and the Global Performance Excellence Award 2019

July 23, 2018

Sri Lanka has over the years built high-quality primary health care systems, which has been recognised and praised by former Microsoft CEO, Bill Gates, at a recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. The Sri Lankan Government strives to provide the best health care for its citizens, partnering with both public and private enterprises. Access International Healthcare Division has proudly been associated with the development of the Sri Lankan Healthcare movement, by providing state of the art technology to local hospitals.

The importance of keeping high standards in the medical sector is of paramount importance, ensuring the general public receive the best medical care for their medical procedures. Therefore Access International Healthcare Division identifies and sources equipment of the highest standard and the best technology that could be provided by Europe and other international markets. This includes medical equipment such as radiology imaging systems, diagnostic equipment in ICU’s and critical care operating theatre equipment and surgical equipment.

A project that is currently being handled is the installation and commissioning of a new state of the art central sterile supply department (CSSD) at the Epilepsy Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. The primary operation of a CSSD unit is cleaning, disinfecting and sterilization of instruments before any surgery to avoid any contamination or recontamination from taking place. Surgery is often the only therapy that can alleviate disabilities and while surgical procedures are intended to save lives, unsafe surgical care can cause substantial harm, such as the complications after inpatient operations that occur up to 25% of patients worldwide.

It is vital that proper CSSD equipped with the latest technology is implemented in order to prevent post-surgery infections which not only reduces the strife of the family of the patient but also prevents the spread of infectious and deadly diseases such as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) a superbug bacteria. If post-surgery infections are prevented, the recovery time is faster in which case patients are able to go home sooner making the system more effective enabling hospitals to provide accommodations for new patients and treat any urgent cases, thereby saving lives and cutting costs for the medical centre.

Access International Healthcare is the sole agent for MATACHANA: Spain’s, pioneer in the sterilization industry since 2011, they are constantly developing medical innovations in the sterilization field. Matachana notifies the importance when considering the long-term effect caused due to the resistance triggered by the prescribed amount of antibiotics. Antibiotics are invaluable in treating infectious diseases; they have helped save millions of lives however, methodical overuse and misuse of antibiotics for human health have resulted in greater resistance to these antibiotics. “At the moment 13% of the Government’s health budget is spent on antimicrobial medicines which displays that resistant infections will further increased costs.” was cited by the Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine. Based on these facts having to treat less number of post-surgery infections or other secondary infection would drastically reduce the number of antibiotics thus resulting in a low cost for a medical centre.

February 4, 2018

Signal, Unilever’s iconic oral healthcare brand, embarked on an ambitious journey to take our unique Sri Lankan smile to the world as part of its legendary Signal Sina Bo Wewa initiative this year.

Collecting smiles from around the island, the Signal Sina Bo Wewa will be appointing six Sri Lankans with the most appealing smiles as the country’s first ever smile ambassadors to undertake this mission together with the brand.

A host of distinguished celebrities and public figures including Bathiya Jayakody, Santhush Weeraman, Dinakshie Priyasad, Umaria Singhawansa & Raveen Kanishke pledged their support to this landmark initiative at the grand launch ceremony that was held at the Arcade Independence Square.The event witnessed Signal Sina Bo Wewa float being flagged off to all corners of the nation to collect people’s smiles.

Stopping by several major cities and towns including Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Colombo, Dambulla, Galle, Jaffna, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Rathnapura, Trincomalee and Vavuniya, the Signal Sina Bo Wewa teams will be inviting members of the public to come onboard the floats and submit their smiles. People can also join in by sending their smiles to 0766 555 666 over WhatsApp and Viber or by posting them on the Signal Facebook page.

“We Sri Lankans are renowned world over for our hospitable nature. The Sri Lankan smile is known to evoke emotions of warmth and serenity. Signal is a brand that has committed itself to protecting this smile for over 55 years and Sina Bo Wewais at the center of our efforts in this regard. We have had the privilege of touching the lives of over 1 Million Sri Lankan’s over 14 years through this oral hygiene drive,” said Ms. Nilushi Jayatileke, Marketing Director, Personal Care, Unilever Sri Lanka

“As a brand that takes great pride in the Sri Lankan smile, we seek to take this around the world. Our teams will be travelling to every corner of the island to collect your smiles. Six individuals will be selected as the country’s first ever smile ambassadors and will be sent on a mission to spread the Sri Lankan smile to different parts of the world,” Ms. Imeshika Kariyawasam, Category Head – Oral, Unilever Sri Lanka added.

The six chosen smile ambassadors will be travelling to the six continents viz. Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Spreading the Sri Lankan smile all through the world, they will also be collecting smiles from each of these locations and bringing them back home.Further, 100 finalists will be rewarded with cash prizes worth Rs. 1 million.

Signal invites all Sri Lankans to join in on this landmark initiative by visiting the float traversing the island or by sending their smiles in over WhatsApp, Viber or Facebook.

ImmunifyMe – an Internationally Accredited, Proven and Tested brand, with a Local Heritage, to revolutionize the Global Healthcare Sector

BILEETA becomes the first Sri Lankan Software Company to be listed on the Global Fund

Atlas invents AGV Robot to support Sri Lanka’s medical personnel combating Coronavirus

Access Healthcare empowers Sri Lankan Healthcare systems

Signal Embarks on a Landmark Initiative to Take the Sri Lankan Smile to the World