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No scientific method being followed: PHIs
Who kept changing the instructions with regard to the vaccination programme we do not know, said the Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHIs) Union, M. Balasooriya, pointing out that the WHO recommendation is to vaccinate those above 60 years old, as most of the COVID-19 deaths are in the group. Sri Lanka changed it to those between 30 and 60 years of age.
“We don’t see a scientific method being followed in the vaccination programme. Due to this we had issues in the Gampaha district as there were influential people coming in for vaccinations. As there was no protocol, we were helpless. Later proper instructions were given,” he said.
Mr. Balasooriya said that as vaccination centres are in operation only within the Western Province and only from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the afternoons are devoted to other work in their relevant areas.
When asked about allegations of corruption in the administration of the vaccine, he said that if people have such complaints they should lodge official complaints.
“We believe that no ground level official can be involved in corruption as there is a system being followed at all vaccination centres and it is all documented,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that official media releases did not carry some COVID-19 deaths, especially those of well-known people such as former Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara.
However, when the Sunday Times sought clarification from Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, he said that it was in the official death toll of February 15.
“There could be COVID-19 patients dying due to other diseases and if a death is not directly due to COVID-19, then it is not reported as a COVID-19 death,” he added.