IIHS empowers health professionals through a number of innovative educational programmes

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), the leader in the field of health care education in Sri Lanka, has introduced several new degree courses aimed at a number of health professionals, including nurses and midwives. Through these programmemes, professionals will get the opportunity to acquire locally and internationally recognised knowledge and equip themselves with skills. With a history of almost two decades, the institute has continuously contributed to the professional development of Sri Lankan students and health professionals.

IIHS has built a strong reputation for offering diverse healthcare education pathways that cater to students from various financial backgrounds. Through collaborations with renowned institutions like Asia e University in Malaysia, a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), IIHS offers degree programmes that help healthcare professionals advance their careers. These programmes are recognized by Sri Lanka’s University Grants Commission (UGC) and focus on vital areas such as nursing, pharmaceuticals, food and environmental science, public health, dental therapy and oral hygiene.

Whether pursuing a Professional Bachelor’s in Nursing Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Food & Environmental Science, Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene, or Public Health & Midwifery, IIHS equips students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in their fields. IIHS understands the urgent global demand for trained healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved and rural regions. Their professional studies programmes are designed with this in mind, ensuring students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet this growing demand. The courses are meticulously crafted to enhance the professional capabilities of healthcare workers, addressing the critical shortage of trained professionals worldwide.

One of the standout features of IIHS's programmes are the exceptional support students receive throughout their academic journey. With an elite panel of lecturers, including industry experts, students benefit from top-tier lecturing and mentorship. The award-winning Learner Management System (LMS) offers an interactive, comprehensive learning experience, while students gain a world-class qualification in a short period. This not only saves costs but also ensures access to international knowledge and constant updates from the global healthcare community.

Current students of IIHS professional programmes have shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact these courses have had on their careers and personal development. Himani, a student enrolled in the Professional Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Science, mentioned that, "When I enrolled at IIHS, I gained both theoretical and practical knowledge in pharmaceutical science. I believe that after completing this degree, there will be more opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. IIHS has equipped me with the skills to be a leader in the healthcare field, and I’m confident that I will continue to develop as a health care professional."

Chamil Muthukuda, a student of the Professional Bachelor’s in Food and Environmental Science, emphasizes the practicality of the programme as, "The course is extremely beneficial for my professional life and has helped me develop essential skills. The flexibility of online and physical learning methods has allowed me to balance my professional work and studies. The international knowledge and constantly updated content have been invaluable for my career."

IIHS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Sri Lanka and beyond. Through its comprehensive professional studies programmes, the institute offers a unique opportunity for students to advance their careers while contributing to the global healthcare workforce. Whether through academic excellence or hands-on experience, IIHS is committed to producing healthcare professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

A key example of IIHS’s commitment to empowering healthcare professionals is the introduction of the degree programme for Public Health & Midwifery. Takshila Jayakody, a midwife, shares, "Being a midwife is a great contribution to the country. Until now in Sri Lanka, we had only studied the programme in a diploma level. But now, we can study it at the degree level. This gives us the opportunity to gain international-level knowledge, which in turn allows us to provide superior service to our community." Takshila encourages other midwives to join IIHS and further their education, saying, "I also tell other midwives to join this institution and study this degree programme. Through that, we can take our knowledge to the next level."

IIHS’s comprehensive professional studies programmes provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their fields. Through innovative programmes and exceptional support, IIHS helps students advance their careers while contributing to the global healthcare workforce.

Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, the CEO/Founder – IIHS, shared his thoughts as "Sri Lanka's education system has unique challenges, primarily due to funding discrepancies. This has led to a restrictive environment, especially for those in healthcare, where there is often a lack of inclusivity," further he explains. "Historically, there has been limited inclusion for healthcare professionals outside of the medical doctor field. While doctors have enjoyed some inclusion, nurses, midwives, public health inspectors (PHIs), dispensers, and mature nurses were often overlooked. We were the first to initiate inclusion by introducing bachelor’s, master’s, and now even doctorate programmes in nursing."

Dr. Edirisinghe further elaborates on how IIHS has expanded its focus to other healthcare sectors. "Many midwives, PHIs, and other healthcare professionals do not have the time or academic background to pursue traditional university programmes. Our professional programmes were designed to address this gap, offering opportunities for these workers to enhance their knowledge and skills without the constraints of a full-time academic commitment."

The core idea behind these programmes, according to Dr. Edirisinghe, is simple but powerful: "When we give people access to education, they gain knowledge about the world, and their attitudes begin to change. They become more respected and form a better workforce. This transformation is the heart of our mission. Our goal is to empower healthcare professionals through education, ensuring they are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing healthcare environment."

In conclusion, IIHS remains steadfast in its commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education that empowers healthcare professionals. Through its innovative programmes, exceptional support, and global partnerships, IIHS is shaping the future of healthcare in Sri Lanka and beyond.