Private hospitals urge Govt. to harness more local expertise

• Welcome opening of new PCR testing unit at BIA, but insist State should encourage greater Lankan private sector involvement 
• Say Govt. forging partnership with foreign company a surprise 
• Private sector labs carry out 60% of SL’s total PCR workload
• Lament approval for additional private labs for testing not received yet

While welcoming the recent opening of the PCR testing facility at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), private hospitals have appealed to the Government to consider local partners for such initiatives, taking into consideration the expertise already available in Sri Lanka.  

The Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH) said that significant investments had already been made to strengthen PCR testing facilities and infrastructure in the country. 

In a letter to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, APHNH Secretary Dr. Sunil Ratnapreya noted that the private sector laboratories performed approximately 60% of the total PCR workload of the country, and almost all the PCR requirements of the tourism industry, BOI (Board of Investment) and quarantine centres in hotels, with results being released within 24-36 hours.

“At the onset of the pandemic, our member hospitals have invested in equipment and infrastructure based on the understanding that we continue to work with the Government to support the country’s pandemic response. However, the partnership forged with a foreign company to establish the laboratory at the BIA comes as a surprise to us,” APHNH Secretary Dr Ratnapreya said.

“It is our humble request that the Government prioritise and consider local healthcare investors as a partner in efforts such as this, given the expertise and international standards upheld by our member hospitals over the past two years,” he added.

The APHNH appeal comes when members are awaiting approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH) to establish additional private hospital laboratories catering to PCR testing at regional level. 

APHNH noted that a request had been made to the Minister of Health to expedite the procedure for approval of new PCR laboratories in the ministry, as there were fully-equipped private labs already awaiting to commence testing.

“We sincerely hope that the Government will consider our request and take necessary action to invite the private healthcare sector to be part of the initiative mentioned above,” Dr Ratnapreya added.

Established in 1972, the APHNH represents all the country’s private hospitals and nursing homes. As the leading representative of this industry, the association plays a vital role in uplifting healthcare standards and building a healthier country.

Through its representation in the Private Health Services Regulatory Council (PHSRC), APHNH plays an important role in the regulation of the country’s private health sector. Over the recent past, its efforts have also included facilitating skills development among healthcare workers, conducting courses for nurses to enhance their capability and contributing to the upliftment of healthcare standards in the country in various ways.