A high-level delegation of medical experts, comprising consultants and medical specialists, this week met with Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva to discuss the option of accommodating COVID-19 patients for treatment at private sector hospitals.

The meeting took place at the Army Headquarters on Thursday (3 December). 

The delegation included Consultant Surgeon Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, Consultant Physician (Prof.) Arjuna de Silva, Gynaecologist (Prof.) Hemantha Dodampahala, Endocrinologist (Prof.) Prasad Katulanda, and the Consultant Physician Dr. Eranga Narangoda.

The option of being treated at private hospitals would only be given to those who choose it voluntarily. The delegation maintained that such opportunities should remain open for the virus-infected patients who wish to receive treatment at private sector hospitals since this could also help ease prevailing congestion at State sector facilities and create more space largely for less income groups.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva assured them that their concerns would be taken up shortly with the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPCO) Task Force, Director General of Health Services, and other authorities before a decision is made in this regard.

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