COVID-19 patients to be taken to nearest treatment centre

People who are diagnosed with the COVID-19 will be directed to the treatment centres and Intermediate Care Centres that are closest to the area of residence, the Health Ministry said.

This decision had been reached during a meeting held this morning at the Health Ministry under the patronage of Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and with the participation of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle and other health experts.

The Health Minister said the decision was taken considering the psychological impact on the infected person and their family members.

Moreover, the relevant measures have already been taken to supply necessary medical equipment and healthcare staff to treatment centres that are being built by other Government and non- Government organizations, apart from the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, relevant instructions were also given to the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) in order to expedite the process to procure the necessary COVID-19 vaccines required for the administration of the second dose.

It was also decided to increase random Rapid Antigen Tests in line with the number of PCR tests conducted per day. (Sheain Fernandopulle)