13 August 2021 08:58 am Views - 117
By Yohan Perera
The UNP, which has come up with a policy to deal with the COVID- 19 pandemic, has decided to send it to the President, Prime Minister , Minister of Health, Speaker, Army Commander and leaders of other political parties, party Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said.
The policy which was approved by its working committee yesterday comprises several proposals according to a statement made by Mr. Wijewardene. “We hope the government will respond favourably to our proposals. We have done this after realising it as our duty,” he said.
Accordingly, the UNP has proposed setting up of temporary hospitals with the assistance of the Army and construction companies. The party also made proposals to seek international assistance for ventilators, obtain the services of retired medical personal, increase procurement of COVID vaccines without any procedures and to increase the PCR testing on public. The UNP also recommended to maintain proper statistics, increase Oxygen capacity available in hospitals, vest powers with the health authorities to make decisions pertaining to the pandemic, enact the Opposition drafted public health emergency Bill and to provide vaccines to everyone over 12 years of age.
The policy also included to accelerate the vaccine programme, adopt a policy of working from homes for both private and public sector, use of public transport with half of the capacity and resumption of safe schooling for children.
“We believe that these proposals will help in controlling the pandemic,” Mr. Wijewardene said.