Sanath Hettige
Sanath Hettige is a Sri Lankan consultant family physician, medical researcher, and inventor. He is known for his research work, particularly the use of Carica papaya leaf extract in the treatment of dengue fever, and for contributions to family medicine in Sri Lanka. His work has received national and international recognition for innovation and service to primary care.[1][2][3]
Early Life and Education
Hettige studied at Ananda College, Colombo, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Kelaniya. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Family Medicine from the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo. He also holds a Diploma in Family Medicine (DFM).[4]
Career
Hettige served as an honorary senior lecturer in Family Medicine at the University of Colombo. He has been a visiting lecturer and examiner for several Sri Lankan medical faculties, including the University of Jayewardenepura and the Kotelawala Defence University.[4]
As on 2025, Hettige is serving as the president of IMPA.[5]
Research and Innovations
Hettige is best known for his early studies, exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of Carica papaya leaf extract in dengue fever. His findings reported improvements in platelet counts, reduced fever duration, and enhanced white blood cell recovery.[6]
Awards and Recognition
International awards
Presidential and national awards
- Presidential Award for Best Medical Invention (Gold Prize, 2016)[4]
- Presidential Award – Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (2013), First Place
- Platinum Award – Sri Lanka Inventors Commission
Academic and professional awards
- Dr. M.P.M. Cooray Memorial Award – CGPSL Orator Award (2016, 2018)
References
- ↑ "Dr. Sanath Hettige wins WONCA South Asia Regional award". Print Edition - The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 2025-08-09.
- ↑ Today, Ceylon (2025-08-21). "Dr Sanath Hettige: A pioneer in medical innovation to lead the IMPA". Ceylon Today. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- ↑ "Daily News : New IMPA President to work on an anti-ageing medical innovation". epaperst.lakehouse.lk. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- 1 2 3 "Sri Lanka award to family physician inventor". WONCA - World Organization of Family Doctors. May 2016.
- ↑ CN (2025-08-23). "Dr. Sanath Hettige Inducted as President of IMPA Sri Lanka". LNW Lanka News Web. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- ↑ Karunaratne, Ismail, Yasu , Amra (26 April 2016). "Papaya leaves can beat dengue". Dailymirror.lk.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Dr. Sanath Hettige wins WONCA South Asia Regional Five Star Doctor Award 2024". 20 May 2024.
- ↑ "Discover our 2024 Regional Five Star Doctors".