News
PCR testing can be increased by 300% overnight, say govt. Medical Lab Technologists
‘No additional machines, personnel required’
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS) President Ravi Kumudesh yesterday disputed a Health Ministry claim that that PCR testing could not be increased in the short run.
Kumudesh said that there was no immediate need for more PCR machines, and the ones already available could be used to conduct more tests if the Health Ministry so desired.
“With the existing machines and the personnel handling them, we can easily increase PCR testing by 300% overnight,” Kumudesh said.
Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath claimed at a press conference yesterday that although there was a demand for increasing PCR testing, that task could not be carried out so easily.
He said there would have to be more PCR machines and more specialised personnel such as medical Laboratory Technologists and microbiologists, for PCR testing to be ramped up. There were not enough PCR machines,he said.
However, when the CMLS President was asked for comment, he said if the Health Ministry was keen to conduct more tests, the available PCR machines and personnel were sufficient.
Kumudesh said that some existing PCR machines could not be operated for want of reagents.
“None of the state-run medical labs are operating at full capacity. The facilities can operate 24 hours a day and there are facilities and personnel to carry out the task. All our members are willing to work longer hours given the pandemic situation,” Kumudesh said.
There was no shortage of PCR machines in the world market as countries like China that produce them were open and if the Health Ministry wanted to acquire them, it could do so easily, the CMLS President said.
Kumudesh said his association’s request that rapid antigen tests be conducted on suspected COVID infected OPD patients had gone unheeded. The delays in PCR tests conducted at state institutions had impeded surgical and medical procedures there, he said.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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