COVID-19 patients Medical consultants seek possibilities of treatment at private hospitals

• This could also help to ease the prevailing congestion at government hospitals

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A high-level delegation of medical experts, consisting of Consultants and Medical Specialists had a discussion with Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva who is also the Head of National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) to explore the possibilities for accommodating COVID-19 patients for treatment at at private sector hospitals.   

The delegation included Consultant Surgeon Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, Consultant Physician (Prof) Arjuna De Silva, Gynaecologist (Prof) Hemantha Dodampahala, Endocrinologist (Prof) Prasad Katulanda and Consultant Physician, Dr. Eranga Narangoda.   

The discussion was held on Friday at the Army Headquarters.  

These medical specialists maintained that such opportunities should remain open for the virus-infected patients wishing to receive treatment at private sector hospitals, since this could also help to ease the prevailing congestion at government hospitals.   

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva assured them that their concerns would be taken up at the NOCPCO Task Force, Director General of Health Services and other authorities, before a decision is made in this regard.  
The medical delegation also received an update from the Head, NOCPCO on the status quo as regards control work of COVID-19 transmission. 

• Such opportunities should remain open for the virus-infected patients wishing to receive treatment at private sector hospitals