Nearly 20,000 PCR tests delayed as PCR machine malfunctions

 

A PCR machine belonging to the newly established laboratory in the Colombo North Teaching Hospital in Ragama has malfunctioned, resulting in the delay of nearly 20,000 PCR test results, Aruna Newspaper reported.

The National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPC) said that the delay has caused issues in drawing decision pertaining to the implementation of Covid prevention measures, including quarantine curfews.

Information on the affected PCR machine was revealed during a meeting between health authorities and members of the NOCPC yesterday.

It was further revealed that a PCR machine purchased for Rs. 250 million with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was placed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Mulleriyawa in May 2020, but had malfunctioned 06-days ago.

Head of the NOCPC Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva had instructed officials from the Health Ministry to immediately address the issue and take necessary action within 48- hours.

It has been reported that an expert from a Chinese organization will arrive to fix the broken PCR machine. The NOCPC has taken steps to brief President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in this regard.

“Our technicians tried very hard to fix it but could not, We have to get down the technical officer. He is likely to arrive tomorrow.” Army Commander Shavendra Silva said. (NewsWire)

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