Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath says clinical oxygen required for COVID-19 patients is currently being imported.
Speaking at a media briefing today, Dr. Herath said the oxygen capacity produced in the country is being utilized to the fullest at treatment centres and hospitals treating COVID-19 patients, and therefore oxygen is being imported as an alternative.
Dr. Herath said importing oxygen will also have its limitations, adding the overseas manufacturers could suddenly halt imports.
Dr. Herath also stated that machines that manufacture oxygen have been provided to hospitals as well adding that all alternatives have been taken.
However, he claimed that all such actions have limitations adding that the main focus should be minimising the number of COVID-19 patients that are being reported.
Journalists meanwhile questioned Dr. Hemantha Herath of a conflict in data related to COVID-19 patients in the Gampaha District.
They claimed that reports have emerged that 7,000 COVID-positive patients could be in society in Gampaha.
Only 35 patients were recorded from the district yesterday according to the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak.
Dr. Herath said the Epidemiology Unit is conducting an assessment of the data.
Dr. Herath said if a mistake has taken place it will be corrected adding that data is being gathered daily.
He also noted that authorities have no intention of concealing or reducing the number of coronavirus positive cases that are being reported.
