From two rooms to 80,000 patients: Sri Lankan doctor wins twin awards in Australia

Dr Vajna Rafeek, who comes from Maruthamunai in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, made history in October 2026 by winning the twin honours of RACGP Victoria GP of the Year and General Practice of the Year, described as among Australia's highest medical awards.

Born in Maruthamunai and educated at Kalmunai Wesley High School, she moved to Colombo because of the war and graduated in medicine from the University of Kelaniya in 1996.

She later went to the United Kingdom, where she initially worked as an assistant in a pharmacy. Through perseverance, she went on to establish herself as a doctor in London hospitals.

After migrating to Australia in 2007, Dr Vajna Rafeek opened Hanson Medical Centre in Craigieburn, Melbourne, in 2012, starting with just two rooms.

Today, it has grown into a large medical centre with 19 doctors, serving around 80,000 patients 365 days a year.

Her dedication was especially praised during Melbourne's thunderstorm asthma emergency in 2016, when she kept the centre open until 3am and saved the lives of around 300 patients.

She has also trained and mentored a total of 51 doctors, including 30 overseas-trained doctors who migrated to Australia, helping to shape their futures.

Despite reaching the top of her profession in Australia, she has maintained her connection with her homeland and continues to provide medical services in Sri Lanka.

Reflecting proudly on her journey, she said: "True success is not only reaching the top, but overcoming challenges and helping others rise too."

Dr Vajna Rafeek's remarkable journey from Maruthamunai to Melbourne has brought great pride to Sri Lankans around the world.