COLOMBO (News1st): The validation report on rapid antigen test kits to detect COVID-19 patients is likely to be handed over to the health ministry on Thursday, a government official has said.

“…the health ministry’s epidemiology unit will decide on the locations at which the tests can be carried out,” Dr Jayaruwan Bandara, the deputy director of the state-run Medical Research Institue said.

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has backed the government’s moves to import the test kits, amidst concerns over its procurement process, which some say had violated the laws.

“Rapid antigen test kits are of great importance to our country,” Dr Haritha Aluthge, the GMOA editor said Thursday.

He added that the validation report must be made public and that the kits must be imported with the support of the World Health Organisation, that has pledged to offer a vaccine by next year.

“…a vaccine may not be the final solution for the virus. We are not sure when we will receive the vaccine,” Dr Aluthge opined.

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