PHIs raise concern over authorities concealing data on Delta variant

The Public Health Inspectors' Union slammed the Health Ministry for not releasing official information on the infections of Indian variant and thereby hiding the actual situation in terms of the Delta variant spread in the country.

PHIU Head Upul Rohana told the Daily Mirror that officials at the Sri Jayewardenepura University, who carry out genetic sequencing and researches, are also keeping the information pertaining to the Delta variant under wraps.

“These types of decisions can’t be made behind closed doors. If a decision has been taken not to release such data to the media, the authorities should clarify why they do so. Otherwise, the whole country would be at stake,” he charged.

“If the health authorities continue to hide the actual facts on the data, the situation would end up in a more dreadful state, which could be unbearable to the health sector itself,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PHIU Head said with the authorities relaxing travel restrictions, people seemed to be taking health practices for granted.

“In a situation where the authorities are reluctant to release the actual data on Delta variant spread in the country, people’s negligent behaviour to ignore health guidelines could pave the way for a catastrophic situation.

“Thus, we urge the authorities to set up a platform where these types of sensitive information are released to media and thereby have access to people,” he added.

It was reported that the officials at the Jayawardenapura University were officially informed by the Health Ministry not to release any information to the media. (Sheain Fernandopulle)