Testing and transparency the need of the hour 

It’s not an uncommon sentiment these days, yet it’s probably not said nearly enough, but the work being done by medical professionals on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic is truly heroic. 

In terms of taking the vocation of healthcare to its extreme, this is it. Ask any healthcare professional and they will tell you that this – this very scenario that the world is right now – is the one that shakes them to their very core, barring probably the prospect of working in the middle of a war zone. But even then, heading in to work day-in, day-out, coming in to contact with victims of a highly-contagious disease – one without a cure – knowing that there’s every chance you could at some point pass it on to your loved ones, it’s bravery that tests the limits of the human condition.

It is in this context that when Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) threaten to withdraw from COVID-19 related work, citing inadequate protective measures, it’s prudent to sit up and pay attention. The PHI Union in a statement has expressed their disappointment at what they term the failure of health authorities to recognise their efforts. Among the most pressing concerns raised was the lack of basic facilities provided to PHIs. Considering the risks taken on a daily basis by PHIs in battling COVID-19, these grievances are certainly understandable.

The statement ends with an issuance of an ultimatum, whereby the Government has until 4 April (tomorrow) to address these concerns. It goes without saying that it is imperative the Government acts swiftly and efficiently in addressing any and all issues brought up by the PHIs, as without them the task at hand gets considerably harder. 

The points raised by the PHIs also bring to attention the broader issue of COVID-19 testing. Tens of doctors and nurses have already been directed to self-quarantine having come into contact with COVID-19 carriers, who at the time were not showing symptoms. This is a situation that, quite frankly, cannot go on.

Sri Lanka has at present tested some 2,500 individuals, but compared to some of our Asian neighbours this number – even as a percentage of the population – is on the low side. Furthermore, as it stands only those showing symptoms of the virus can be tested for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka. This, despite it now being widely reported that even asymptomatic – not showing symptoms – individuals can be infected with the virus, and worse still spread it to others. The present system, to put it bluntly, is patently inadequate and unsustainable in the long run. 

While the measures taken up to this point are certainly laudable – the nearly two weeks of curfew has seen Sri Lanka ‘flatten the curve’ considerably when compared to other countries – to beat this virus over the long term quite simply requires testing to be scaled up.

The Government needs to start systematically sifting through the population and making sure testing is easily available for all. It is the only way in which the healthy among us can return to work and keep the economy afloat, while ensuring that those affected are given the care they need.

And if this is not possible, then at the very least there must be more transparent communication, so that the public is kept fully abreast of the Government’s thinking and thought processes, and panic is kept at bay.