The Government Medical Officers’ Association says it has compiled a detailed report containing expert advice needed to successfully deal with the spread of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant.
Speaking during a media briefing yesterday, the Secretary of the GMOA Dr. Senal Fernando said the report compiled with the participation of 12 specialist doctors will be handed over to the President this week.
Dr. Fernando said the GMOA appointed a specialist committee two weeks ago to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country in the future.
He said the report focuses on five main points adding the main topic was on how the mortality rate and severe cases were reduced through the vaccination drive.
The GMOA Secretary said the committee has revealed that many have lost interest in the vaccination drive and only 23% have obtained the Pfizer booster dose due to myths circulated by certain individuals.
Dr. Fernando said they recommend legal action to be taken against such individuals as per the penal code.
The report also recommends introducing a process to identify individuals who have been fully vaccinated when entering public places and providing COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test Kits to households.
Dr. Fernando said the report clearly states how to successfully provide the booster dose and on how to eradicate myths pertaining to the COVID-vaccines.
He said that not only does the report recommend the government to introduce Self-Test Kits but also to standardise the testing laboratories according to World Health Organisation standards.
Furthermore, Dr. Senal Fernando said the report highlights the importance of educating the public on the concept of health care or the “DReAM” concept.
He said the “DReAM” concept stands for Distancing, Respiratory etiquette, Aseptic conditions, and wearing Masks.
Dr. Fernando said the Ministry of Health from time to time publishes recommendations of the Director General of Health Services through circulars adding however the public tends to forget the content of these circulars.
He said they can use digital media, print media and social media and internet services to inform the public.
