Dr. Sanath Hettige - new president of the Independent Medical Practitioners’ Association

Past IMPA President, Dr. A.H.M. Hazari (left) formally inducted Dr. Sanath Hettige as the new President of IMPA

The IMPA is regarded as one of the oldest associations for medical practitioners in the world. Fifty years after its founding, the association established the College of General Practitioners as its academic arm, strengthening the professional development of general practitioners in Sri Lanka 

Dr. Sanath Hettige, renowned family physician, researcher, lecturer, and entrepreneur, was formally inducted as the President of the Independent Medical Practitioners’ Association (IMPA) at a ceremonial event held on August 22 at Water’s Edge.

President of IMPA, Dr. Sanath Hettige, addressing the gathering

Chief Guest, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media

Past IMPA President, Dr. A.H.M. Hazari, introduced Dr. Hettige as a highly esteemed specialist in family medicine who has earned international acclaim with the coveted WONCA Five Star Doctor Award for the South Asia Region in 2024 in recognition of his excellence in practice. 

“Locally, Dr. Hettige was honoured with the Presidential Award for the Best Inventor in the field of Medicine in 2016 for his groundbreaking work on papaya leaf extract for dengue treatment – an innovation that has benefitted millions worldwide,” Dr. Hazari noted.

Dr. Hettige has also made significant contributions to professional and regulatory bodies such as the National Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority. He has served in multiple capacities within the College of General Practitioners and currently holds positions as a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura, and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

Furthermore, Dr. Hettige is the Managing Director of Earthians Pvt. Ltd. and the Oil of Dermae Group of Companies, which have produced a range of products including the Oil of Dermae moisturising cream, Hair Dermae, and papaya leaf capsules. Highlighting these many accomplishments, Dr. Hazari remarked that the new President’s success reflects a steadfast commitment to practical, life-saving medical science. 

“It is a moment of great pride to have such a visionary, compassionate, and accomplished leader take the helm of this association,” he said, before formally inducting Dr. Hettige.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Hettige emphasised that his new role was not merely a privilege but also a profound responsibility to uphold the vision and values of the Association. “For decades, we have played a vital role in the country’s health system, often as the first point of contact for patients, and at times, the most trusted guide in both health and illness. 

“As I look ahead, I see both challenges and opportunities. Medical science is advancing at an incredible pace. Our patients’ expectations are evolving, while technology, digital health, and preventive care are redefining how we practice medicine. In this environment, the Association must continue to provide learning and professional development for all our members, advocate for the rightful place of private practitioners in health and policy, maintain the highest standards of ethics and patient-centered care, and above all, remain united as a community of doctors who support one another,” he said.

He further highlighted that a central focus of his presidency would be the integration of anti-aging care into core clinical practice. “Our patients today are not only seeking longer lives but healthier and more active years. As family physicians, medical practitioners, and private doctors, we are uniquely positioned to guide them with science-based approaches to longevity and wellness. I believe this will mark a defining step forward for our association, bringing preventive and anti-aging medicine into mainstream private practice in Sri Lanka,” he explained.

Dr. Hazari along with Viraj Manatunga, representing the pharmaceutical industry, presented Dr. Hettige with the Healthcare Innovation Excellence Award in celebration of his contributions to healthcare.

The Chief Guest of the evening, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, also congratulated the new president: “Dr. Hettige’s career has been nothing short of exemplary. As a respected physician, researcher, and innovator, he has developed a medical invention that has advanced diagnosis and treatment, authored important publications, and raised the profile of Sri Lankan medicine internationally. His recognition with the WONCA Five Star Doctor Award places him among the finest family physicians in the world – a distinction that brings honor to our country. I have no doubt that under Dr. Hettige’s guidance, the IMPA will grow stronger.”

Dr. Hettige also delivered a presentation on the integration of anti-aging care into core clinical practice. “This is becoming more important than ever because, like many other countries, Sri Lanka has a growing elderly population. As doctors, we often treat individual illnesses, but we also need to think about treating the aging process itself, which is the root cause of many illnesses,” he explained.

He emphasised that anti-aging care could bring a host of benefits to the healthcare system, including reduced national health expenditure, fewer hospital admissions, a decreased need for institutional care, and an extended workforce.

The IMPA is regarded as one of the oldest associations for medical practitioners in the world. Fifty years after its founding, the association established the College of General Practitioners as its academic arm, strengthening the professional development of general practitioners in Sri Lanka. Its mission has consistently been to advance the standards of private medical practice, support its members, and contribute meaningfully to the health of the nation.