COVID challenges

Sri Lanka saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases on record so far on Sunday, pushing the total number of patients identified in May to about 17,000. Given the massive backlog of PCR tests, the daily numbers mirror the situation that existed in the country three to five days earlier. Health officials warn that unless stringent measures are taken, the spread could continue escalating, leading to the healthcare system collapsing, especially with Vesak and Ramadan around the corner. 

Restricting travel for a limited period of time makes a great deal of sense in this scenario. While the Itukama Fund lies idle with only 6% of its money used, the public is funding the setting up of COVID treatment centres around the country. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is scrambling to assemble 10,000 beds in 10 days in an attempt many see as trying to earn political brownie points at a time when people are facing unprecedented hardships. Its senior party members were in key positions of power when budget allocations for healthcare were gradually reduced to just 1.6% of GDP from 2.3% in 2020.

Moreover, it is clear that the SLPP’s PR efforts are going to fall far short of on-the-ground requirements. Perhaps understanding this, it was reported that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is to appeal to China for the urgent donations of ventilators, oxygen concentrators and other medical equipment. Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is creaking and even with the rollout of the vaccine it will need significantly more support than it is getting now.

Thousands of people are struggling to deal with the financial, social and psychological issues created by COVID-19. Despite repeated warnings the Government refused to lockdown borders, resulting in the Indian variant being found in a quarantine centre. Visas are still being issued, with a dozen foreign arrivals testing positive over the weekend. The Government will need to assess its stance and take into consideration that no matter what precautions are being taken, there is always danger that the virus can escape detection.

A healthcare system is more than the number of beds; it is also an adequate number of medical personnel being available to treat patients. The Government has to prioritise its expenses and ensure that the pandemic gets the funding support it needs. It is also essential that the Government leaves decision making up to health officials and eliminates political interference. The Piliyandala cluster, which has grown to 360 positive cases, is a sad example of what can happen when public officials are not allowed to do their jobs. 

The Government also has to vaccinate all private healthcare officials and any pockets remaining in the public sector so that all available resources are prepared. Right now it is more important to keep as many uninfected people at home as possible, which means that essential services need to be amped up. Supply chains need to be supported so that food remains affordable and readily available. As many public services as possible have to be brought online as the pandemic is unlikely to be short term. The danger of new variants is a constant concern.

Most governments struggle with organisational and governance challenges and it will take the right kind of political will for the Government to discharge its critical duties towards the public.