by Aung Myo Htet

25 October 2004

Colombo, Sri Lanka: I have been in Colombo, Sri Lanka with my wife since 21 June 2004. This is my first assignment as a UN Volunteer. Before joining the UNV programme, I worked as a software development and training consultant in private companies located in Myanmar and the United States of America.

The nature of my job really matches with my previous experience in software development. With the Government of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, or MoH, one of the largest ministries, I assist the Director of Information in the Ministry’s Information Unit of Planning department.

In Sri Lanka, the Government assumes responsibility for distributing drugs to health institutions. The MoH has realized that billions of Sri Lankan Rupees are wasted each year on improper drug management. This financial loss is due in part to limited monitoring facilities resulting in an inability to manage how drugs are distributed and used. In addition, expiration of drugs also contributes to this enormous amount of waste.

There are two software systems that I am in the process of developing to remedy the problem: Hospital Management System (HMS) and Drug Distribution Management System (DDMS). HMS is mainly used for patient registration, admission and discharge processes in hospitals. Currently, I am migrating the existing database system and also implementing a new pathology department module and fixing minor problems on the existing HMS.

DDMS, on the other hand, is my major responsibility. Together with other staff in the Ministry, I am conducting a system analysis and design overview as the first phase. The system should be completed in early 2005. All staff and the Director are supportive of my work and have helped me in studying the existing manual systems and gaining an understanding of issues and problems.

In August, we traveled to the northeastern part of the island to find out how government hospitals and medical supplies divisions were working. Not only did I get to know the real working environment, but I was also able to visit ancient archeological and religious sites.

We strongly believe that once we deploy the computerised system, drug mismanagement will be greatly reduced. Most importantly, it will ensure that lifesaving medications are in stock and ready to be distributed to sick patients.

The system is yet perfect and we still need to overcome many obstacles. For instance, many MoH staff need to be trained in using the new system.

Overall, I am enjoying my time in Sri Lanka. This country shares many similarities with Myanmar. My colleagues are very friendly and they are always there to help if I have any questions. They also realize that other UN Volunteers are working with other UN agencies to support the Sri Lankan people at the grassroots level. So far, my experience as a UN Volunteer has been unforgettable.

Aung Myo Htet of Myanmar is a UN Volunteer in Sri Lanka. As a software developer, he is assisting the Government of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health in implementing an approved pharmaceutical management system.