It is evident that the only way out of the Covid-19 pandemic is the vaccine, and the only way to conduct a proper vaccination drive is to understand the true situation in terms of the number of infected persons, through PCR tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs). However, the failure in understanding and acknowledging the true situation of the pandemic is where most countries fail, due to the fact that every country likes to think that it is managing the situation better than other countries.
However, sometimes, it is not an overestimation but rather ignorance that fails nations, and Sri Lanka also shows signs of failing due to being unnecessarily complacent and ignorant. This was shown throughout the past few months, especially when the Health Ministry-formulated priority list was violated and when people of rank, such as mayors, interfered in the vaccination drive. To make matters worse, recently, it was reported that the number of daily vaccinations as well as PCR tests had declined significantly.
According to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Covid-19 vaccines administered during the 12-day period from 12 to 23 June. During the same period, the daily vaccines had declined from 137,000 to 22,000. Also, the lowest number of daily PCR tests conducted in June was reported this weekend, with a mere 14,110 PCR tests being conducted on 26 June.
The President’s statement last week that the Government anticipates to vaccinate at least 13 million Sri Lankans (over the age of 30) by end-September this year, as well as the authorities’ assurances about the future of Covid-19 management efforts, needless to say, gives hope to Sri Lankans. However, the massive difference between the promises and actions is concerning. If the country is in fact attempting to strengthen the vaccination drive, why is there a staggering decline in the number of doses administered daily? And, why are the PCR tests fluctuating significantly?
The decline of the vaccination drive and the PCR tests can be interpreted as a result of Sri Lanka not having adequate resources. However, thus far, Sri Lanka did not see promising signs that these endeavours were a success. The lack of organisation, co-ordination, and most importantly, interference by people of power, made the people lose faith in these activities.
The authorities’ duty does not stop there. They have to take measures to handle those obstructing the vaccination drive by obtaining the vaccine in an undue manner. Recently, it was reported that a large number of Colombo District-based persons had travelled to Galle to obtain the vaccine, which was meant for those living in the Galle District. However, no proper action has been taken to look into how they got the vaccine, or at the very least, how they travelled to Galle in large numbers.
The fact of the matter is, Sri Lanka’s situation keeps getting worse, and it can no longer be hidden or ignored. Also, the time has come for the Government to understand that stepping up the vaccination drive is the main, and currently, the only, solution to fight the pandemic. If one were to ask, many would say that more than the scarcity of resources, it was the poor planning that led to a not-so-great Covid-19 management programme in Sri Lanka.
However, Sri Lanka appears to be hiding, or trying to make little of, the true situation, and the pandemic, on the other hand, keeps worsening. The vaccination drive and tests are integral parts of Covid-19 management efforts. However, acknowledging and giving promises about them is not enough; working on it, in order to manage the situation, is what should happen. In fact, the decline of PCR tests is viewed by many as one of the reasons that led to the third wave of the pandemic, which started right after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and some, especially healthcare sector trade unions, claim that it is happening even now. Does that mean Sri Lanka has not learnt a lesson? The bigger question is, who is ultimately going to have to pay due to the low rates of testing and the high rates of discrepancies in the vaccination process?Test and vaccinate, don’t allay and downplay
28 Jun 2021
Test and vaccinate, don’t allay and downplay
28 Jun 2021
It is evident that the only way out of the Covid-19 pandemic is the vaccine, and the only way to conduct a proper vaccination drive is to understand the true situation in terms of the number of infected persons, through PCR tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs). However, the failure in understanding and acknowledging the true situation of the pandemic is where most countries fail, due to the fact that every country likes to think that it is managing the situation better than other countries.
However, sometimes, it is not an overestimation but rather ignorance that fails nations, and Sri Lanka also shows signs of failing due to being unnecessarily complacent and ignorant. This was shown throughout the past few months, especially when the Health Ministry-formulated priority list was violated and when people of rank, such as mayors, interfered in the vaccination drive. To make matters worse, recently, it was reported that the number of daily vaccinations as well as PCR tests had declined significantly.
According to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Covid-19 vaccines administered during the 12-day period from 12 to 23 June. During the same period, the daily vaccines had declined from 137,000 to 22,000. Also, the lowest number of daily PCR tests conducted in June was reported this weekend, with a mere 14,110 PCR tests being conducted on 26 June.
The President’s statement last week that the Government anticipates to vaccinate at least 13 million Sri Lankans (over the age of 30) by end-September this year, as well as the authorities’ assurances about the future of Covid-19 management efforts, needless to say, gives hope to Sri Lankans. However, the massive difference between the promises and actions is concerning. If the country is in fact attempting to strengthen the vaccination drive, why is there a staggering decline in the number of doses administered daily? And, why are the PCR tests fluctuating significantly?
The decline of the vaccination drive and the PCR tests can be interpreted as a result of Sri Lanka not having adequate resources. However, thus far, Sri Lanka did not see promising signs that these endeavours were a success. The lack of organisation, co-ordination, and most importantly, interference by people of power, made the people lose faith in these activities.
The authorities’ duty does not stop there. They have to take measures to handle those obstructing the vaccination drive by obtaining the vaccine in an undue manner. Recently, it was reported that a large number of Colombo District-based persons had travelled to Galle to obtain the vaccine, which was meant for those living in the Galle District. However, no proper action has been taken to look into how they got the vaccine, or at the very least, how they travelled to Galle in large numbers.
The fact of the matter is, Sri Lanka’s situation keeps getting worse, and it can no longer be hidden or ignored. Also, the time has come for the Government to understand that stepping up the vaccination drive is the main, and currently, the only, solution to fight the pandemic. If one were to ask, many would say that more than the scarcity of resources, it was the poor planning that led to a not-so-great Covid-19 management programme in Sri Lanka.
However, Sri Lanka appears to be hiding, or trying to make little of, the true situation, and the pandemic, on the other hand, keeps worsening. The vaccination drive and tests are integral parts of Covid-19 management efforts. However, acknowledging and giving promises about them is not enough; working on it, in order to manage the situation, is what should happen. In fact, the decline of PCR tests is viewed by many as one of the reasons that led to the third wave of the pandemic, which started right after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and some, especially healthcare sector trade unions, claim that it is happening even now. Does that mean Sri Lanka has not learnt a lesson? The bigger question is, who is ultimately going to have to pay due to the low rates of testing and the high rates of discrepancies in the vaccination process?Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!