• We determine it according to a scientific criterion and we cannot increase testing in a haphazard manner
• Some people who agitate for the increase of testing unnecessarily are linked to these companies

By Kelum Bandara

State Minister for Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said there were vested interests behind some people agitating for the unnecessary increase of daily Covid testing.

The Minister told Daily Mirror that the number of tests for a day - PCR and antigen tests - is decided by the health authorities according to a scientific calculation of the pandemic situation.

“We determine it according to a scientific criterion and we cannot increase testing in a haphazard manner,” he said.
The Minister said this in response to a query whether the drop in daily caseload was due to deliberate reduction of the daily number of tests.

“Test kits are imported by some companies. Some people who agitate for the increase of testing unnecessarily are linked to these companies. They benefit in terms of commissions. If someone agitates for an abnormal increase of daily Covid tests, it may be something done with vested interests,” he said.

*** The number of tests for a day is decided by the health authorities according to a scientific calculation of the pandemic situation
*** They benefit in terms of commissions