30 April 2021 12:05 am Views - 230
By Sheain Fernandopulle
Despite announcements earlier yesterday that Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) would be conducted at all entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals, health officials were not present at some points, except for police officers.
It was reported that health officials were reluctant to report to the points as they had not been properly informed of this process and citing that they lacked ambulance facilities to take any individual, who might test positive for the virus to hospitals.
Accordingly, health officials were not present at the points such as Thoppuwa Bridge in Kochchikade, Helagalla Junction in Nittambuwa and Wahagoda Bridge in Hanwella. The RATs were conducted at 12 entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals started at 12 noon yesterday and were to continue until further notice. When the Daily Mirror contacted Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr S.M. Arnold, he said it was done by the Western Province health directors.
When contacted Secretary of the Department of Health, Western Province Gamini Dharmasena, he said he was not aware whether the health officials were not present at some exit points but said the bed capacity in all hospitals designated to treat COVID-19 patients in the Western Province was full.