NHSL commends Hemas on donation of PCR laboratory machine

Thursday, 24 December 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Timely intervention to support nation’s fight against COVID-19
First time a PCR machine is available at the hospital to screen and identify patients with COVID-19

NHSL now able to obtain results within a period of six hours, omitting the 48-hour wait for test results from the MRI.

The National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) was recently gifted their first PCR machine, to improve the efficiency of patient care amidst a global pandemic. The PCR machine being available at the hospital which treats and cares for individuals with many life-threatening situations, will allow for quick detection and prompt treatment that help these patients’ chances of successfully fighting the virus if contracted. The management of Hemas gifted this state-of-the-art BIO-RAD machine for PCR testing understanding this timely need.

Commenting on the donation, NHSL Sri Lanka College of Cardiology and Consultant Cardiologist Immediate Past President Dr. Stanley Amarasekera said: “I would like to take this moment to thank the management of Hemas for accepting the hospital’s request and arranging for the machine to be delivered to the National Hospital in a short span of time.

“Till recently, there was no necessity for a PCR machine at NHSL as it was not categorised as a COVID-19 prevalent hospital. Through this machine, the hospital is able to carry out the tests in-house, which reduces the burden on Medical Research Institute in Borella and strengthens and improves our ability to successfully fight and control further transmission of the virus.”

Sharing her thoughts on the donation, Hemas CEO Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson added: “Today as the nation works together to fight this global pandemic, Hemas remains committed in its support to the Government of Sri Lanka and the public health system in battling the pandemic.

“Throughout the years Hemas has been working to make healthful living a reality amongst families across the nation and will continue to do its part as a responsible corporate citizen. We encourage all Sri Lankans to come together as one and work towards overcoming the challenge ahead of us.”