TRANSMED Project – Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education

Project Overview

The University of Peradeniya is part of an international consortium under the Erasmus+ project, TRANSMED – Transfusion Medicine Education & Capacity Building in Higher Education, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education program. The project aims to strengthen and harmonize transfusion medicine education in Sri Lanka and Asia by enhancing the competencies of healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes through safer transfusion practices. Its main outcome is the development of a multidisciplinary curriculum for medical laboratory scientists, nurses, and medical officers, aligned with local and international standards, contributing to sustainable capacity building and high-quality education in transfusion medicine.

International Consortium

University of Peradeniya Project Team

• Dr. Shyamali Thilakarathne – Project Coordinator
• Dr. Charitha Mendis
• Ms. Jeewanthika Ekanayaka
• Ms. Muditha Atapattu

Kick-off Meeting

The Kick-off Meeting of the TRANSMED Project was held from 20th to 22nd March 2023 at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Sri Lanka. This three-day event marked the official launch of the project, establishing work plans, partner roles, and key deliverables.

Train the Trainers (ToT) Program – Europe

The first ToT Program was held from 2nd to 13th October 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands, targeting nurses, medical laboratory scientists, and Medical Officers.

In Barcelona, sessions covered accreditation, transfusion medicine organization, and regional training approaches. Participants visited Blood and Tissue Bank (BST) laboratories, Hospital Sant Pau, donor centers, mobile units, and simulation centers, and took part in workshops.

In Amsterdam, the program focused on program management, donor health, and research. Visits included Sanquin Blood Bank and Sanquin National Screening Laboratory.

ERASMUS Progress Review Meeting

The ERASMUS Progress Review Meeting was held on 22nd February 2024 at the National Blood Center, Sri Lanka. The meeting provided updates on curriculum, procurement, and administrative progress, including sustainability plans targeting the August 2024 course start.

Field Monitoring Visit

The project was monitored by Dr. Elisabetta Nicco, representative of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), on 24th and 27th June 2024. Meetings and site visits reviewed institutional support, training relevance, and project achievements.