News
PHI union chief questions efficacy of vaccines due to power cuts
Vaccine stores provided with generators – DDHS
By Rathindra Kuruwita
There was a high probability of anti COVID vaccines being affected due to power cuts, unless the places where they are stored have an uninterrupted power supply, Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), Upul Rohana said.
Rohana said that refrigerator units at the MOH offices around the country did not operate during the power cuts.
“Most of these institutions do not have generators. Even institutions that have generators are finding it hard to purchase fuel,” he said.
Rohana said that the Pfizer vaccine has to be stored in very low temperatures.
“We don’t know the temperature of the storing units during power cuts.
But I am sure it’s not optimal conditions to store Pfizer. At this rate, if something happens to the efficacy of the vaccines, more people will become anti-vaxers.
Those in positions of power must think of this,” he said.
Rohana said that a number of health sector unions had asked the government to exempt hospitals from the power cuts imposed due to fuel shortages.
A power cut in excess of four hours would trigger a crisis in the hospitals, Rohana said
“We can have generators, but what happens if a generator breaks down. Do we have backup power sources at all hospitals? This is a serious situation,” he said.
Deputy General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, contacted for comment said, all vaccine stores had been provided with generators.
The National People’s Power (NPP) polled 2,260 votes (46.18%) to secure 9 of the 19 seats in the Tangalla Urban Council at todays. Local Authorities Election.
THe Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJ) polled 1,397 votes to secure five seats while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) polled 795 votes to secure 3 seats.
The United National Party (UNP) and the Sarvajana Balaya secure one seat each.
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
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