UNP calls on Govt. to vaccinate private healthcare workers

The United National Party (UNP) yesterday appealed to the Government to include private sector healthcare workers into its priority list to get COVID-19 vaccines in the first stage, pointing out this is in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. 

Issuing a statement, the party said it was concerned that the Government has failed to adhere to the WHO guidelines when administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Accordingly, the Government has failed to include private healthcare workers in the initial stage of the COVID-19 vaccination program, despite claiming that healthcare workers will be given priority,” the statement said. 

The UNP pointed out according to the WHO guidelines, healthcare workers must be given preference in the first stage of the vaccination program. “The Sri Lankan Government must ensure that all healthcare workers in the country are provided with the vaccine in the first stage of the vaccination program, regardless of their employment in the state or private sector.”

The UNP further urged the Government to ensure that along with the health workers, police and Grama Niladharis are also provided with the vaccine on a priority basis due to their close contact with the general public. 

“It is essential that the Government ensures that all frontline workers are provided with the vaccine in keeping with the WHO guidelines to ensure the spread of the COVID-19 virus is controlled.”