Strengthening Competence and Compassion: Experts Unite in Colombo to Shape the Future of Human Resources for Health in the Region

In an effort aimed at strengthening the capacity, quality, and compassion of the health workforce throughout the region, over 70 delegates from nine countries gathered in Colombo for the “Regional Workshop on Human Resources for Health (HRH): Strengthening Competence and Compassion”. This was co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Asian Collective for Health Systems (TACHS). The workshop held particular significance to Sri Lanka as it coincided with the centenary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), one of the oldest health professional regulatory bodies globally. 

One of the key focus areas of the workshop was on enhancing health workforce capacity to address evolving health needs. Insights from regional countries illustrated innovative strategies for promoting adaptable and people-centred workforces which can provide quality health services in the face of evolving challenges such as demographic and epidemiological transitions, and climate change. Furthermore, there were in-depth deliberations on strategies to embed clinical competence and compassionate, people-centred care in pre-service and in-service education and training. Another key highlight was a dynamic dialogue among three esteemed global health leaders—Dr Palitha Abeykoon, Prof Srinath Reddy, and Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert— which underscored the importance of transforming the health workforce to be ‘fit- for-purpose’ while ensuring that compassion is at the core. Furthermore, the Interim Report of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on the “WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel” was reviewed during the workshop. While there was broad agreement on the EAG’s interim recommendations, participants emphasized the necessity for contextualization and clarity to align with local realities and ethical recruitment principles. An important outcome from the deliberations on HRH regulation was the proposal to establish a South-East Asia Regional Network of Health Professional Regulators. This network aims to facilitate cross-country learning, enhance regulatory capacity, and address shared issues. Member States expressed their support for the draft terms of reference and are expected to provide feedback in the coming weeks.

As one of the initial activities of regional collaboration, the regulators joined the centenary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Medical Council on 5 July. This momentous occasion was graced by the Hon Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and featured prominent international speakers, including the Chair of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and the Chair of Council of the General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Technical sessions during the celebration highlighted the SLMC’s enduring commitment to maintaining professional standards and safeguarding public trust. As the Council embarks on legislative reform, it serves as a model for how regulatory institutions can adapt to meet contemporary health system demands. 

Some of the key outcomes of the above workshop are:

1. Recognition that compassion is equally as important as health workforce competence, with opportunity to collectively strengthen the Sri Lanka-led international network for Health Humanities.
2. Deliberation and technical inputs provided by the Member States of the of South-East Asia Region on the Interim Report of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.
3. Create connection and alignment among multiple partner agencies working on HRH agenda on national and regional priorities.
4. Support for establishing a South-East Asia Regional Network of Health Professional Regulators. 

In-depth and diverse discussions during the workshop reaffirmed that strengthening of HRH transcends mere technical challenges; it is fundamentally a deeply human endeavour. Investing in skills, ethics, and empathy—through robust regulation, responsive education, and regional solidarity—holds the potential to transform health systems fundamentally. World Health Organization is committed to support the Member States in their journey towards developing a fit-for-purpose, resilient health workforce which can deliver high quality people-centred care to meet the population health demand. 

Policy dialogue on “Enough money or enough workforce, which is the priority?”

Plenary session on institutional approaches to improve HRH quality and accountability

Sri Lankan delegates at the Workshop

Breakout session on “Building Health Workforce Capacity to Address Evolving Health Needs”