Pandemic situation far worse than govt. makes it out to be, says CMSL President

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Most of the COVID-19 patients detected now were those who had come for treatment of their own volition, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science (CMLS), Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday.

He said only a small percentage of detections were made by the tests carried out by the Health Ministry. In fact, the manner in which those tests were done ensured that detections were minimal, he said.

“The government is now trying to have us believe that things are under control. However, cases are increasing and close to 70 deaths are reported every day. If we calculate those who die without being detected, the numbers will double or even triple,” Kumudesh said.

Out of the 2,500 odd cases being detected daily, most were those who had sought treatment, he said.

“There are at least four times the number of cases that are reported. Although Dr. P. B. Jayasundera thinks the threat of COVID-19 is over, the health sector is struggling. Almost all COVID-19 wards are full and now the government wants to bring everyone to work. This will have disastrous consequences.”