Research in the field of medical sciences

Abstract

Although indigenous Medicine was practised in Sri Lanka as far back as the 4th century BC,Western medicine was introduced only in the beginning of the 14th century by the portuguese.During British rule the practice of western medicine was rapidly developed.However an organized attempt at research and development activities,the state created the National Science Council (NSC) in 1968.Since then the NSC and its successor the National Resources Energy and Science Authority (NARESA)have been in the forefront of developing medical research in Sri Lanka.Upto 1997 it has sponsored over 200 research projects in the medical sciences,of which 51 projects have yielded postgraduate degrees.In addition to NARESA,several local as well as foreign organisations are currently involved in funding medical research in Sri Lanka.Some issues concerning the researchers in medicalsicences are also discussed in this paper.