"It is obligatory for private sector to detain those coming for antigen and PCR tests for some time in a waiting area before their results are reported but this appears not to be the case. Complaints have been received that although such cases are confirmed positive, proper laid down procedures have not been followed. Health authorities are not informed of such positive cases and private hospitals tend to release them haphazardly. It has also been brought to notice that testing methodology has been twisted and attempts are made by certain private sector hospitals to carry out antigen and PCR tests also at regional testing places and mini laboratories which have not received any authorization from the Ministry. This practice has posed a setback to our fight against its transmission since such positive ones hide in various places infecting others without confining to hospitals," so said General Shavendra Silva.
"Complaints also claim that you all are charging exorbitant sums of varying degree for antigen and PCR tests. This should not be the case. 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. Only authorized standard charges should be levied for such tests. It is much better if those existing price ranges can be further reduced for the benefit of the masses, "General Shavendra Silva pointed out urging 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 antigen and PCR tests on the tourists from Ukraine as a pilot project.
Dr Asela Gunawardena appealed to those top management 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.
Top level officials of the Ministry of Health, Health Department, State Sector Hospitals, Task Force members, and officials of several other agencies were present during the meeting. A group of 10-12 laboratory authorities/private sector hospital administrators attended the meeting, held at the NOCPCO at Rajagiriya.
