The Association of Government Medical Laboratory Technologists says the specialised PCR testing mechanism used across the world to identify coronavirus variants of concern, should be established in Sri Lanka promptly.
Speaking to NewsRadio President of the Association Ravi Kumudesh charged the government of failing to provide any support to identify new variants.
Ravi Kumudesh said the Ministry of Health has issued several warnings regarding the detection of the Delta variant in the country.
He added however the Delta variant cannot be identified through PCR tests, and tests are not being conducted in this regard.
Kumudesh said if genome sequencing cannot be done a COVID variant detectable PCR test would allow experts to predict new variants.
He said Sri Lanka has 25 laboratories and if special PCR test kits are provided for the 25 districts, it could be used on suspected cases and sent for genome testing at the Sri Jayewardenepura University.
He added however such kits haven’t been provided.
Ravi Kumudesh also levelled allegations regarding the focus given by the government to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, that conducts tests on new variants.
Kumudesh said the J’pura University is conducting tests voluntarily adding the Ministry of Finance has not granted provisions to the university.
He questioned as to whether the government lacks funds or does not see a requirement for testing.
Ravi Kumudesh said the Ministry of Health has issued several warnings regarding the detection of the Delta variant in the country.
He added however the Delta variant cannot be identified through PCR tests, and tests are not being conducted in this regard.
