Conversion of some base hospitals to COVID-19 centres triggers concern

A decision by the Health Ministry to convert some important base hospitals manned by Consultants located across the country into COVID-19 management centres for confirmed asymptomatic patients, has raised serious concerns in health circles.

Such closure of base hospitals which have medical, maternal and paediatic units for the usual patients would lead to an increase in the number of deaths including maternal deaths, deaths from snakebite and also from non-communicable diseases, many sources said.

Last week, the Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, announced that the Teldeniya and old Hambantota Hospitals have been turned into COVID-19 centres. These are in addition to the Homagama Base Hospital, the Colombo East (Mulleriyawa) Base Hospital, the Welikanda Base Hospital, the Iranawila Hospital, the Kattankudy Base Hospital, the Welisara Navy Hospital and the Minuwangoda Base Hospital.

Many doctors were concerned over Galgamuwa, Warakapola and Minuwangoda being added to this list, with Galgamuwa being told to expect confirmed asymptomatic patients from Sunday (May 31).

They pointed out that without closing these base hospitals, the health authorities could convert district hospitals with visiting specialist teams to manage these confirmed asymptomatic cases. (Kumudini)