Ministry of Health to receive around 20 PCR Machines

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Health is set to receive around 20 PCR machines, in order to increase the number of PCR tests conducted to identify COVID-19 patients in the country. "PCR machines that belong to Universities and other state institutions will be provided to the Ministry of Health based on an agreement reached by the relevant parties," said the The Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Eradication on Saturday (25th April). The Task Force said this step will further facilitate the efforts to increase the number of PCR tests conducted in the country. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe on Friday said, "1,142 PCR tests, a record high for a single day, were conducted during the course of the day" "Following talks with the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, it was decided to provide PCR testing units to UGC laboratories to increase PCR testing in the country," said Dr. Jasinghe. In addition, a laboratory is being constructed in Mulleriyawa funded by the Asian Development Bank, to perform 1,000 PCR tests daily.