PHI’s claim inadequate support from govt. officers in Covid-19 matters

• Several areas in the city are at very high-risk

By Sheain Fernandopulle

While saying that the support from the Health Ministry officials was not adequate in the endeavour to contain Covid-19,The Public Health Inspectors Union said there is an attempt to pass the blame on PHIs whenever there is a shortcoming with regard to a Covid-19 related matter.  

Speaking to Daily Mirror, Union Secretary M. Balasooriya said it was really unfair to pass the buck all the time on PHIs when it comes to Covid-19 related matters.  

“As far as the Covid-19 situation in the city of Colombo is concerned, several areas in the city are at very high-risk. Against this backdrop, there are a lots of things to be done especially for people living in isolated areas,” he pointed out.  

“We have observed that the support of government officers attached to the Health Ministry is not satisfactory and adequate when tackling the Covid situation in the Colombo city. The entire responsibility is on the shoulders of the PHIs and security officers,” Balasooriya said.  “There are officers at the Ministry, who were recently recruited for the same duty as the PHIs. However, we don’t see them in the field,” he highlighted.  

In addition, Balasooriya said the authorities had not taken any steps to relieve the stress of the people living in isolated areas in Colombo and also authorities have failed to provide sufficient food items to the people as well.