18 January 2021 03:38 pm
It is doubtful as to what would happen by the end of January, if we do not move forward with tactical approach as adopted by other countries to suppress COVID-19 pandemic, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said.
GMOA Editor Dr. Haritha Aluthge said tactical approach is vital and we should use it to suit our country.
He mentioned the three prime tactical steps are; identifying the patients while increasing the number of PCR tests, special attention should be paid to impose travel restrictions among towns and thereby minimize the risk of virus spread among people.
"People with COVID-19 infections are on the rise. The virus is being carried to other areas from the Western Province.
The number of beds in hospitals is fast becoming scarce due to daily detection of new cases," Dr. Aluthge said.
He said if hospitals exceed the capacity, the whole health care system of the country might collapse.
Therefore, the Epidemiology Unit and the Health Ministry should alert the President about the current situation immediately, Dr. Aluthge added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)