1. Ratnasabapathipillai Kesavan
2B, Victoria Court
27B, Senanayake Road
Dehiwela
Sri Lanka
Tel: (Mobile) : +94 773063197
email: dr_kesavan@yahoo.com
A medical specialist with extensive experience in both preventive and curative health sectors, with special emphasis
on health systems strengthening and emergency health. Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
Has the ability to learn fast and adapt to new challenges.
 Excellent communication and presentation skills developed through working for the United Nations (UN)
 Analytical skills developed through years of experience in health systems at World Health Organization
 Leadership skills enhanced while working in various projects in the UN and the Ministry of Health
 An excellent team player and a motivated, good listener
 Serving as the country lead , Mental Health , WHO, IMC Liberia
 Served as the National Professional officer/Health System Development for WHO country office in the areas
of health service delivery, health workforce, health information, essential medicines, health care
financing and governance for the past 5 years and empowering the Ministry of Health in revisiting health
systems in terms of the above mentioned areas.
 Served as National Consultant, Emergency Humanitarian Action for WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka
during the acute stage of the humanitarian conflict and the resettlement phase in the East
 Took part in the National District Planning with the JICA
 Visiting lecturer and Resource Person for the MPH programme in University of Kelaniya
 Visiting Lecturer , Community Medicine , Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 Visiting Lecturer, Disaster Management course, University of Colombo
 Visiting Lecturer , Diploma in Disaster Management , Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of
Colombo
 Visiting Lecturer, Public Health, University of Jaffna
 Was a visiting lecturer in Microbiology at Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna
 Worked as the Health coordinator (in the war zone) for the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, Holy Cross
Mobile Service sponsored by the International committee of the Red Cross
 Worked as the health Coordinator for the Human Development Council under the patronage of the Bishop
of the Catholic Church
 Was a Consultant for the Italian Institute of Health Science (Government of Italy) in the project concerning
the emergency preparedness programme at the national level
2015 Sept – WHO, IMC Liberia
1
SKILLS
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
PROFILE
CAREER HISTORY

2. 2014 Oct 1st
- to 2015March 31st
World Health Organization, , Philippines
International Consultant, Mental Health Systems. (STC)
Brief description of duties and responsibilities:
1. To train medical officers, Nurses, Midwifes and health workers from the rural health units and district hospitals in
Basic psychiatry, mental health enabling them to detect, treat and follow up patients with mental health problems.
2. The training includes the Basic training and standard training based on mhGAP modules.
3. Follow up of training in their respective institutions with hands on training and onsite training
4. To review the impact on the training in terms of sustainability with the evidence base with the following
indicators:
i. Number of new patients correctly identified, treated and followed up
ii.The rate of growth in number of new patients enrolled in each Municipalities
iii .Sustainable system of follow-up with free medication in place
iv. Municipalities' adapting as clinic day in a week for mental health apart from walk in facilities anytime
v. Emergency mental health rooms/wards for mental health emergencies in all district hospitals
vi. A system of case detection and follow up at Barangay levels in each Municipalities using Midwifes and
Barangay Health workers
5. To create a sustainable mechanism for release and rehabilitate the long term neglected patients who has been
chained for years and kept in the cages with a multisectoral model
6. To create a Provincial working committee comprising multisectors along with health sector in order to address
mental health issues.
7. To train social workers in psychosocial aspects and stigma mitigation
Key achievements:
Mental Health System was built and sustained in the Philippines Provinces where I was assigned (Northern and
Western Samar) with the following steps:
1. All Municipalities and district hospitals were given the mhGap basic and standard training, also two rounds of on
hand training.
The hands on training also included following aspects:
a) Home visit of the patients which brought better understanding of their social determinants and also to build up
more compliance as of a family doctor concept
b) Further to the regular patients with mental illness, there are chronic patients who has been chained for years or
locked up in makeshift cages continuously for years. There is a stigma among the folks that they could be very
dangerous and may be possessed by evil spirits
Unchaining the patients and releasing patients from cages and rehabilitating them by the municipal doctors were part
of the training in Northern Samar. This also aimed at setting an example and to mitigate the stigma involved.
2 The rate of growth in number of new patients enrolled in each Municipality was positive. This gives hope of
sustainability of the programme.
3 Regarding future free medications, all Municipal doctors were informed of the MAP programme and initiatives to
implement the programme have begun.
4 Most of the Municipalities are adapting as clinic day in a week for mental health apart from walk in facilities anytime
5 Most of the District Hospitals had created mental health rooms and others are in line to create one.
6 Provincial working committee comprising multi-sectors along with health sector in order to address mental health
issues have already commenced. Hon Governor, Vice Governor, Provincial health officer and Social service
department focal person were met and discussed on this issue
7 Legislation has been drafted to sustain this mechanism by the Provincial government and has been passed.
2008 Oct - to 2013 Oct World Health Organization, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
National Professional Officer – Health Systems Development
1. Gathering information and producing technical documents periodically for the WHO Sri
Lanka Office on the current situation and trends with regard to significant health System
Reform Movement and health Reform concepts and action in Sri Lanka. This will include
a. Universal Coverage concepts and alternatives
b. Responsiveness of the health system to needs of underprivileged populations
c. Decentralization of health service delivery
d. Role of promotive and preventative measures in overall health system package
e. Status of reform process at sub-national level
2

3. 2. Providing support to a systematic health financing policy analysis in Sri Lanka comprising
of:
a. A macroeconomic view of the health financing organizations in Sri Lanka using
available data,
b. Assessment of the technical design (revenue collection, pooling and purchasing)
and stewardship in each of the health financing,
c. Assessment of the impact on goals and intermediate objectives in the health
system, and
d. Identification of key issues in the achievement of universal financing protection.
3. Serving as technical coordinator of the WHO Sri Lanka Office in the area of Health
System Reform including working with other offices of WHO such as SEARO and HQ
and with the concerned national health authorities and other key stakeholders in Sri
Lanka.
a. Coordinating and reviewing technical proposals submitted for support under
health system programme
b. Determining overall relevance of proposed project activities
c. Assessing technical quality of project activities deemed relevant
d. Following up on technical progress
e. Participating in technical programme reviews, and
f. Participating in health systems research
4. Providing suggestions, based on evidence-based studies on health system reform and
health financing policy analysis in Sri Lanka.
5. Identifying and strengthening centres of excellence and help to develop their research
capabilities; also assist in their designation as WHO collaborating centres and involve
these centres in Sri Lanka/ WHO collaborative activities and encourage/ arrange
placement of WHO fellows at these centres
2006 Oct – 2008 Sept: World Health Organization, Colombo, Sri Lanka
National Consultant, Temporary National Professional– Emergency
Humanitarian Action
1. Led and coordinated, supported and took part in rapid health assessments, collected and
managed health information and used this as a basis to assist national and international
health actors identify public health concerns and threats and identify capacity gaps
2. Facilitated good quality and access to basic preventative and curative care including
essential drugs and vaccines for all, with focus on the especially vulnerable-the elderly,
the very young, pregnant mothers, the disabled and the chronically ill
3. Ensured that Humanitarian Health Assistance was in line with International standards
and local priorities and did not compromise future health development.
4. Advocated and negotiated for secure humanitarian access, and neutrality and protection
of health workers, services and structures as integral parts of public health promotion
5. Identified priority health and nutrition-related issues among the refugee, displaced and
affected host population and ensured that these are properly addressed in an integrated
primary health approach that preserved and strengthened local health systems
6. Strengthened health and nutrition surveillance system
7. Ensured control of preventable ill health particularly communicable and vaccine-
preventative diseases
8. Coordinated with partners, NGOs on provision of periodic updates on progress of
interventions during emergency situations and provided support to the government in
mobilizing resources for health sector interventions.
9. Coordinated joint action by developing a response strategy in collaboration with the
district/ provincial health authorities and partners needed for WHO’s interventions
10. Facilitated and supported district/ provincial health authorities in coordinating
stakeholders’ response/ interventions
11. Coordinated joint action by developing a response strategy in collaboration with MOH
and partners.
3

4. 12. Participated in inter-agency mechanisms at district/ provincial level, including UNICEF,
UNHCR, UNDP and other UN agencies including UNSECOORD, etc.
13. Initiated project proposals on WHO’s response and be involved in the preparation of
joint proposals for the health sector.
14. Briefed and assisted in-coming technical experts in their mission.
2001 Jul – 2006 Oct Management Development & Planning Unit, Ministry of Health
Ministry Medical Officer
1. Was a team member for the National Health Planning
2. Organized national consultations, workshops on health management and planning
3. Liaised with international organizations in terms of collaborative work in health systems
development
4. Coordinated with different directorates in the Ministry of Health on joint health
programmes
5. Participated in the formulation of annual Health Plan for the country
6. Actively participated in monitoring of Health programmes in the country
1993 Jul – 2001 Jul Medical Officer, Ministry of Health:
Worked at various parts of the country as a Clinician/ Preventive Medical officer
2008 Doctor of Medicine (Community Medicine)
Post-Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo
1999 Master of Science (Community Medicine)
Post-Graduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo
1992 MBBS
Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna
Survey on Emergency and Surgical Capacity in the conflict affected regions of Sri Lanka, World J surg
(2010) 34; 428; 432
Read a research paper on Gestational Diabetes at the annual scientific sessions of the Jaffna Medical
Association
Took part in a study by the UNICEF regarding the rapid assessment of the nutritional status of the
school students
Took part in the post Tsunami Health Assessment study by the WHO
Took part in a study by the Italian Institute of Health Science (Government of Italy) on the health status
assessment of the post Tsunami phase
Took part in the JICA project on quality of health care and submitted a paper on Quality of health care
in Wayamba province Sri Lanka
Was the principal investigator in a research on quality of maternal health care
Was an investigator and coordinator for 4 SDH (WHO) studies in Sri Lanka (Light House Project)
where the determinants of NCD was studied in one project
M
1. Technical Discussion prior to 64th session of WHO south East Asia Regional committee, Kalutura, Sri Lanka
1-3 June 2011
2. Regional workshop to review proposals of member countries to GAVI for support of introduction of new
and underutilized vaccines, 22-23 march 2011, New Delhi
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QUALIFICATIONS
RESEARCHES AND STUDIES
MEETINGS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

5. 3. Seminar consultation on Strategic Financing for social protection for health in Sri Lanka, Kandy Sri Lanka
29th April 1st May 2010
4. Fourth Meeting of the Network of medical councils of WHO South East Asia Region, Bandung, Indonesia,
30th Nov- 2nd December 2010
5. Regional Review meeting on Immunization, the HSS Focal point meeting, New Delhi, 19-23 July 2010
6. Regional seminar on Decentralization of health services, Bandung Indonesia 6-8 July 2010
7. Regional meeting on the health care reform for the 21st Century, Bangkok Thailand 20 - 22 October 2009
8. Global Health Information forum, 27-30 January, Bangkok
9. Regional consultation for utilization of health information for decision making, 16 – 18 June 2008, Colombo
10. HMN-TSP inter-country meeting on HIS Strategic planning, 27-29 July 2009, Bangkok
11. Second Meeting on the National IHR focal points 23-25 June 2008 Colombo.
12. International conference “healthy people for a healthy world, June25-27, 2008 Bangkok.
13. Regional consultation on inter sectoral actions for addressing the SDH SEARO, New Delhi 23 25 August
2011.
14. Meeting with SEAR WHO country office planning focal points on programme development and management,
18-21 October 2008, Bangkok.
15. Regional consultation on finance crisis and its impact on health in SEAR Colombo 18-20 march 2009.
16. Multicountry Activity and Study tour addressing SDH and SRM, within the context of revitalizing the PHC,
Thailand, 12-15 May 2009.
17. First meeting of the regional network of medical councils in SEAR countries, 19-21 December 2007,
Colombo.
18. Regional consultation on UN reforms, Health and Development, Colombo Sri Lanka, 6-8 December 2007
19. The third conference of the Asia pacific action alliance on human resource for health, 12-15 Oct 2008,
Kandy.
20. 3rd Regional tsunami recovery impact assessment and monitoring system work shop, Bangkok.25-27 Feb
2009.
21. Regional meeting on universal health coverage New Delhi, 16-17 April 2012.
22. Regional consultation on innovations in PHC, Chiang Mai17-19 August 2010.
23. WHO Training course on Health and Human Rights for WCO and SEARO staff, 2, 3 Feb. 2011, New Delhi.
24. Tsunami recovery impact assessment and monitoring system 2nd regional workshop, 21-23 march 2007,
Bangkok.
25. Training workshop on Health internetwork access research initiatives 8-10 November 2009, Colombo.
26. Regional consultation on SDH “addressing the health inequities” 18-20 Feb. 2009, Colombo.
27. National consultation on the role of the SLMC in improving the quality of Medical education and medical
practice, June 4-5 2010, Colombo.
28. Regional consultation on strengthening national health planning, Bali ,4-6 August 2010.
29. Regional meeting on strengthening the deployment of public health nurses in support of MDG, Bangkok 22-
24 November 2011.
30. Regional workshop on Strategic planning and costing for a National Health plan using the UN one health tool
Bangkok, Jan 30-Feb 03, 2012.
31. Regional consultation on strengthening of the management of human resources for health in South East Asia
region 13-16 Feb. 2012 Bali.
 Life member: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society
 Life member: College of Community physicians of Sri Lanka
 Life member: Sri Lanka Medical Association
Name: Ratnasabapathipillai Kesavan
Date of Birth: 15 June 1964
Sex: Male
Civil Status: Married
Sri Lankan Citizen and Canadian Permanent resident card holder
N/B: References, copies of certificates or any other information can be submitted upon request.
5
PERSONAL DETAILS
MEMBERSHIPS

6. 3. Seminar consultation on Strategic Financing for social protection for health in Sri Lanka, Kandy Sri Lanka
29th April 1st May 2010
4. Fourth Meeting of the Network of medical councils of WHO South East Asia Region, Bandung, Indonesia,
30th Nov- 2nd December 2010
5. Regional Review meeting on Immunization, the HSS Focal point meeting, New Delhi, 19-23 July 2010
6. Regional seminar on Decentralization of health services, Bandung Indonesia 6-8 July 2010
7. Regional meeting on the health care reform for the 21st Century, Bangkok Thailand 20 - 22 October 2009
8. Global Health Information forum, 27-30 January, Bangkok
9. Regional consultation for utilization of health information for decision making, 16 – 18 June 2008, Colombo
10. HMN-TSP inter-country meeting on HIS Strategic planning, 27-29 July 2009, Bangkok
11. Second Meeting on the National IHR focal points 23-25 June 2008 Colombo.
12. International conference “healthy people for a healthy world, June25-27, 2008 Bangkok.
13. Regional consultation on inter sectoral actions for addressing the SDH SEARO, New Delhi 23 25 August
2011.
14. Meeting with SEAR WHO country office planning focal points on programme development and management,
18-21 October 2008, Bangkok.
15. Regional consultation on finance crisis and its impact on health in SEAR Colombo 18-20 march 2009.
16. Multicountry Activity and Study tour addressing SDH and SRM, within the context of revitalizing the PHC,
Thailand, 12-15 May 2009.
17. First meeting of the regional network of medical councils in SEAR countries, 19-21 December 2007,
Colombo.
18. Regional consultation on UN reforms, Health and Development, Colombo Sri Lanka, 6-8 December 2007
19. The third conference of the Asia pacific action alliance on human resource for health, 12-15 Oct 2008,
Kandy.
20. 3rd Regional tsunami recovery impact assessment and monitoring system work shop, Bangkok.25-27 Feb
2009.
21. Regional meeting on universal health coverage New Delhi, 16-17 April 2012.
22. Regional consultation on innovations in PHC, Chiang Mai17-19 August 2010.
23. WHO Training course on Health and Human Rights for WCO and SEARO staff, 2, 3 Feb. 2011, New Delhi.
24. Tsunami recovery impact assessment and monitoring system 2nd regional workshop, 21-23 march 2007,
Bangkok.
25. Training workshop on Health internetwork access research initiatives 8-10 November 2009, Colombo.
26. Regional consultation on SDH “addressing the health inequities” 18-20 Feb. 2009, Colombo.
27. National consultation on the role of the SLMC in improving the quality of Medical education and medical
practice, June 4-5 2010, Colombo.
28. Regional consultation on strengthening national health planning, Bali ,4-6 August 2010.
29. Regional meeting on strengthening the deployment of public health nurses in support of MDG, Bangkok 22-
24 November 2011.
30. Regional workshop on Strategic planning and costing for a National Health plan using the UN one health tool
Bangkok, Jan 30-Feb 03, 2012.
31. Regional consultation on strengthening of the management of human resources for health in South East Asia
region 13-16 Feb. 2012 Bali.
 Life member: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society
 Life member: College of Community physicians of Sri Lanka
 Life member: Sri Lanka Medical Association
Name: Ratnasabapathipillai Kesavan
Date of Birth: 15 June 1964
Sex: Male
Civil Status: Married
Sri Lankan Citizen and Canadian Permanent resident card holder
N/B: References, copies of certificates or any other information can be submitted upon request.
5
PERSONAL DETAILS
MEMBERSHIPS