Dr Udana Panadurage

Udana Panadurage – Head of Strategies at Novestra

Bridging Medicine and Technology for a Healthier Tomorrow

Udana Panadurage is a visionary leader at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence with healthcare. As the Head of Strategies at Novestra, Udana brings over 15 years of experience in the medical field, driving the company’s Health Information Management System (HIMS) development to align with cutting-edge global standards. His expertise and innovative vision are pivotal in positioning Novestra as a trailblazer in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI

Udana’s strategic insights are transforming the landscape of digital health. His career, which began in the Sri Lankan Army, provided him with hands-on experience across diverse medical specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and oncology. This diverse background, combined with his tenure as a General Practitioner in the Gulf, exposed him to the latest HIMS technologies, enriching his understanding of global healthcare trends.

Under Udana’s leadership, Novestra’s HIMS strategies are not just well-equipped but are designed to meet the evolving demands of modern medicine. His ability to merge medical expertise with technological innovation ensures that Novestra’s solutions are both patient-centric and globally competitive.

Academic Excellence and Technological Vision

Udana’s academic journey underscores his dedication to advancing healthcare through technology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the prestigious Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy in Russia in 2007. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, he served in both the tri-forces and public healthcare sectors, fostering a passion for enhancing the doctor-patient relationship through technology.

To further his vision, Udana pursued a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from London Metropolitan University, UK, graduating in 2023. His research thesis, titled “The Acceptance of Telemedicine by Patients and the Public within the Current Health Context in Sri Lanka,” reflects his commitment to integrating digital health solutions into everyday medical practice. This blend of medical and business expertise equips Udana to craft forward-thinking strategies that propel Novestra to the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Driving Transformative Healthcare Initiatives

Udana’s career is marked by a series of transformative roles that highlight his leadership and commitment to optimized patient care:

• Medical Officer In-Charge, Chest Clinic, Monaragala: Udana revitalized an under-resourced clinic into a fully equipped healthcare facility, significantly improving TB education and outreach in rural schools.

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): As the Medical Officer of Rehabilitation, he empowered patients with psychiatric disorders to regain life skills and vocational independence. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the MOIC of the COVID unit, ensured minimal patient mortalities, showcasing his crisis management capabilities.

Pioneering New Frontiers in Medicine

Udana is also a co-founder of the Clinical Travel Medicine Association (CTMA) in Sri Lanka, a groundbreaking initiative that merges Aviation Medicine, Marine Medicine, Travel Medicine, Transport Medicine, and Medical Tourism. Telemedicine, a key driver of these specialties, underscores Udana’s commitment to leveraging technology for global health solutions.

Visionary Leadership at Novestra

As Head of Strategies, Udana Panadurage is the catalyst behind Novestra’s mission to revolutionize healthcare through AI. His strategic direction ensures that Novestra’s HIMS not only meets but exceeds global standards, making the company a leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Key Achievements and Contributions:

• Innovative Healthcare Solutions: Spearheading AI integration into healthcare systems to enhance patient outcomes and streamline medical operations.

• Global Healthcare Insight: Leveraging international medical experience to align Novestra’s HIMS with global best practices.

• Academic Contributions: Advancing telemedicine and digital health through academic research and strategic implementation.

• Leadership in Crisis: Demonstrating exceptional leadership during healthcare crises, ensuring resilient and effective medical care.

Udana Panadurage embodies the fusion of medical expertise and technological innovation. His leadership at Novestra is paving the way for a future where AI and medicine work hand-in-hand to deliver optimized patient care on a global scale.