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Proposal for free PCR for repatriates 

31 Mar 2021

  • Lab technologists to meet Tourism Minister tomorrow 

  The medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) claim polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests could be conducted free of charge for Sri Lankan migrant workers who are being repatriated, and they will be proposing this to Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga at a meeting tomorrow (1 April).  According to them, the tests can be conducted at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.  Speaking to The Morning, College of Medical Laboratory Science and Sri Lanka Association of Government MLTs President Ravi Kumudesh claimed that the cost for the PCR tests for repatriates could be covered through the revenue from visiting foreign tourists and very, very important persons (VVIPs).  The Association earlier alleged about a plan to dismantle the PCR laboratory at the BIA, which is under the Ministry of Health, and to allow a foreign financial company to build a new one.  However, when The Morning spoke to State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, she confirmed that the PCR lab at the BIA will not be relocated as the President had during a Covid-19-related meeting held on Monday (29), requested that it not be done.  The Association has several issues to determine with Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, Kumudesh noted, adding that the meeting tomorrow (1 April) would cover these as well. According to Kumudesh, the Association would discuss having a PCR lab under the Ministry of Tourism and providing free PCR tests for repatriates.  “The PCR laboratory at the BIA is capable of conducting 4,000 PCR tests per day. If more facilities could be provided to this laboratory, a PCR test report could be issued within one-and-a-half hours. It is disgusting that the Government and the Ministry of Health are waiting for the demolition of a state-of-the-art laboratory which is under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, which also can generate revenue for the country and provide responsible test reports.”  Responding to the Association’s allegation of the demolition of the said lab, Ranatunga added that this allegation made by these organisations’ health professionals was false propaganda being spread by the Opposition in order to humiliate the Government.  “There is no truth in the reports on social media that the PCR lab at the BIA is to be privatised and that I am involved in this process. Even though the airport had been closed, the PCR tests were conducted for repatriate Sri Lankan migrant workers. The PCR samples from various parts of the country were also tested at this lab. However, we had to take special safety measures with regard to outsiders and vehicles carrying samples for the lab when the airport became busier with the reopening of the country for tourists since last January,” the Minister said.


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