Move to increase COVID treatment centres

The Health Ministry has decided to increase COVID treatment centres in order to accommodate the growing number of patients.

At a meeting held today (16), it was revealed that about 500 to 600 COVID positive cases are reported daily.

Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi instructed officials to make arrangements to expand treatment facilities in existing hospitals and convert state hospitals that can accommodate more patients into COVID treatment centres. 

Financial allocations for this purpose will be made by the Health Ministry as well as World Bank and Asian Development Bank grants.

At the meeting it was revealed that daily about 14,000 PCR tests and 3,000 antigen tests are conducted island-wide.

Minister Wanniarachchi also instructed Health Secretary Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe to ensure that all healthcare frontline workers are fully equipped with personal protective equipment and are provided with transport facilities.