PCR, Antigen testing methodology twisted at private hospitals: Army Chief

22 January 2021 12:25 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While saying that attempts are made by certain private sector hospitals to carry out PCR and antigen tests at regional testing places and mini laboratories without the authorization from the Health Ministry, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army said testing methodology has been twisted in some private Hospitals.

He expressed this during a meeting held with representatives of private sector laboratory technicians to discuss the possibility of implementing a common regulatory mechanism to conduct antigen and PCR tests.

"Only 30 technically-equipped such laboratories are authorized by the Health Department to carry out such tests in accordance with approved provisions and guidelines because concerns have been expressed as regards the reliability and accuracy of such tests by certain affected parties since they sometimes provide contradictory results. Only yesterday alone, 18,000 PCR tests were performed although the private sector charges, i.e Rs 6750 for BOI company employees remain unchanged,” the Army Commander said.

“It is much better if those existing price ranges for such tests can be further reduced for the benefit of the masses," he pointed out. Army Commander also urged them not to misuse the authority that has been given to them.

He also told the gathering that Health authorities allowed the private sector hospitals to conduct PCR tests on the tourists from Ukraine as a pilot project.

Meanwhile, Dr Asela Gunawardena requested those top management technicians to strictly adhere to guidelines and regulations to this effect and ensure credibility of the testing methodology at their highest levels without resorting to wrong practices.

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Comments - 10

Tamil Friday, 22 January 2021 12:42 AM

Army Chief, You only allowed the private hospitals to treat Covid patients. You must take the blame 100%.

Asanka Friday, 22 January 2021 02:46 AM

Wow, the army commander is a real multi talent. Give him another medal and a pad on the back.

Asanka Friday, 22 January 2021 02:46 AM

Wow, the army commander is a real multi talent. Give him another medal and a pad on the back.

Ram Friday, 22 January 2021 02:47 AM

Bull in a China Shop

Michael Ranasinghe Friday, 22 January 2021 06:51 AM

When a military person heads a pandemic task force this is the result . Don't we have a virologist to head this ?

Dee Friday, 22 January 2021 07:22 AM

Ok. Get the Army to do that as well!

Lumbini Friday, 22 January 2021 08:12 AM

Testing results could be twisted in any place (private or government) if they want.

Mr X Friday, 22 January 2021 08:24 AM

I chose a private hospital when I did my PCR test, simply because I knew they can do it better than an underfunded state hospital.

Kumar Friday, 22 January 2021 02:03 PM

Cost of PCR test in an approved Pvt lab is LKR 2000/- in India whereas for the same test cost is LKR 8000/-. (4 times higher), pvt hospitals/ Lab is as usual making money even in the Pandemic. Sending sample to India will be even cheaper and economic.

MN Friday, 22 January 2021 05:14 PM

Good, if General elaborates what does he mean by twisted

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PCR, Antigen testing methodology twisted at private hospitals: Army Chief

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