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Health officials not present at exit points to conduct RATs in WP

29 April 2021 06:01 pm - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Despite it being announced earlier today that the Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) would be conducted at all entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals, health officials were not present at some points, although police officers were present.

It was reported that the health officials were reluctant to report to the points as they had not been properly informed of this and citing that they lack ambulance facilities and find it difficult to take any individual, who might test positive for the virus to hospitals.   

Accordingly, health officials were not present at the points such as Thoppuwa Bridge in Kochchikade, Helagalla Junction in Nittambuwa and Wahagoda Bridge in Hanwella.

The RATs were conducted 12 entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals from 12.00 noon today until further notice.

When Daily Mirror contacted Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr S.M. Arnold, he said it was done by the Western Province health directors.

When contacted Secretary of the Department of Health, Western Province Gamini Dharmasena, he said he was not aware whether the health officials were not present at some exit points but said the bed capacity in all the hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 patients in the Western Province is full.

Commenting on the reports that health officials were reluctant to report to the points, he said since the bed capacity is full, it would be difficult for the MOH officers to decide on where positive patients are admitted if any person is found to have contracted the virus during RATs. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe


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  Comments - 9

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  • Lal Thursday, 29 April 2021 06:28 PM

    SALLI SALLI SALLI apey SALLI SALLI deyyo Danee. Apey SALLI deyyo danee

    Dee Thursday, 29 April 2021 06:32 PM

    Why? What's the issue? The military can conduct the testing right? A new cassette was also released!

    Citizen Kane Thursday, 29 April 2021 06:49 PM

    This is like the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. One doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.

    Shan Thursday, 29 April 2021 07:27 PM

    What a mess

    VJ Thursday, 29 April 2021 10:34 PM

    This task will require not only personnel but equipment too.

    GGT Thursday, 29 April 2021 11:16 PM

    Why test? if the targets fulfilled in obtaining US Dollar fund from the United States as promised?

    roni Thursday, 29 April 2021 11:34 PM

    Round one musical chairs the music did not stop

    BB Thursday, 29 April 2021 11:54 PM

    VERY AMUSING - THIS TOM AND JERRY TYPE OF GOVERNANCE

    Sokrates Friday, 30 April 2021 08:34 AM

    Such a lousy management and the Rajapaksa Mafia Clan is looking on.


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