Indigenous medicine to fight COVID-19

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva who spearheads the fight against COVID-19 endemic said a new wave of enthusiasm has been generated in the indigenous medicine sector and that could help to contain the spread of the viral infection.   

Lt. Gen. Silva said a group of around 50 indigenous medical practitioners, acupuncture therapists and homeopathy practitioners had met Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi at the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 on the directive of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in order to look into possible measures that could be taken to prevent the spread of the deadly viral disease.   

The indigenous medical practice was being used at present and discussions were focused on how best to utilize indigenous medical practices in a more streamlined manner. The Army Chief noted that so far 3,386 persons had completed their quarantine process and returned to their homes comprising three from the Kundasale quarantine centre, 11 from Boosa, 203 from Mullaithivu on Poya day. 

Those who completed the 14-day quarantine procedure at the quarantine centres were advised to further engage in self-quarantine at their homes for further two weeks.