Delay in purchasing Rapid PCR devises? Trade Union calls for probe

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President of the Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists Ravi Kumudesh alleged the Ministry of Health is purposely delaying the procurement of Rapid PCR test devices for Sri Lanka.

Usually it takes around 02 days for a result to be received following a normal PCR test, however, with a Rapid PCR device the result can be obtained within an hour.

The Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists alleges that the Government completed the tender process in June for the procurement for these devices, however, it is being delayed for reasons unknown.

In a letter to the President, the Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists called for an investigation in to the delay citing that it is alleged the delay is caused in order to provide the tender to benefit a party that has close links to the government.

"The Health Secretary called for tenders for the procurement of 14 rapid PCR test devices. The Ministry is yet to make the purchase," alleged Ravi Kumudesh.

He said as the government had delayed the process, it is recommended to obtain the service from the Private Sector.

He went on to note that if the government is unable to make the purchases, the Sri Lanka Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists will crowd fund the purchase and carry out the tests of expatriate workers who are in need of Rapid PCR tests to travel overseas for work.