Former UPFA Gampaha District parliamentarian Dr.Sudarshini Fernandopulle said our healthcare system is well equipped to handle the coronavirus outbreak, pointing out that we formed the Presidential Task Force way back in January when the first corona case was reported in China in early January. Therefore, the relevant authorities have been given the necessary instructions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, she said. Dr. Fernandopulle in an interview with the Sunday Observer said that we have a good healthcare infrastructure which can cater to the grassroots level, dispelling any fear to face the situation.
She said we are also equipped with good disease surveillance, monitoring, follow up and notification systems. Sometimes, there may be shortfalls but generally we have a good healthcare system. At present our health staff is capable of managing the situation but of course we need the cooperation of the people as well. Our ICU capacity may not be on par with the developed countries she said but with the available resources, we have been managing the corona outbreak effectively.
Excerpts:
Q: The number of corona infected persons has exceeded 615,970 around the world. In this backdrop are the measures taken by the Government sufficient or should they do more?
A:Of course, the Government is doing a great job. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is giving necessary guidelines and taking important decisions when necessary. We formed the Presidential Task Force way back in January when the first corona case was reported in China in January, and all necessary instructions had been given to the authorities to control the situation. The President and the Prime Minister have a good relationship in governance. Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi is giving a good leadership at this time of crisis and we have a good Director General of Health Services and Epidemiologists. Our health infrastructure can cater to the grassroots level, and therefore, we have no fear to face the situation. As at March 28, 110 corona infected cases had been reported while over 237 patients were under observation in designated hospitals across the country. In addition, over 3,500 individuals are now being quarantined at quarantine centres 
islandwide. The Government is taking strict measures to enforce the law. Actually, these coronavirus cases were contracted through tourists, people who associated with tourists and people returning from overseas. Those who squandered health surveillance were screened and all details of the returnees sent to the relevant MoH offices. The MoH offices through their health staff have noted down the addresses to monitor and follow them up. Unfortunately, some of those who were instructed to practise self-quarantine had not followed the guidelines. The Government has declared 19 hospitals to treat the coronavirus affected people and set up quarantine centres countrywide. The Government imposed the curfew countrywide to contain the outbreak of the disease.
Q: Is our healthcare system adequately prepared and equipped to handle the crisis?
A: Of course. We have a very good health infrastructure. We have a midwife for every 3,000 patients and a Public Health Inspector for 10,000 to 15,000 people. We have good disease surveillance, monitoring, follow up and notification systems. Sometimes, there may be shortfalls but generally our healthcare system is good, and the health staff is capable of handling the situation, but of course we need the cooperation of the people as well. Our ICU capacity may not be on par with developed countries. But with the available resources, we have been effectively managing the corona outbreak.
Q: There have been many reports of irresponsible behaviour by members of the public despite Government restrictions. What is your advice to the public to tide over this crisis?
A: The public has to take responsibility because the coronavirus spreads through droplets and contamination. As far as possible, we have to advice the people to avoid public places. Sometimes, you have to go out to buy food items, and you should then use a facemask and wash hands often. We should also refrain from touching the facemask as well as the mouth and the eyes. If your hands are contaminated, it could enter your system. We should remain calm and not panic. The young or the elderly who have lung diseases, heart diseases or diabetes may be at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Therefore, with a large number of such cases, it would be difficult for the Government to manage quarantine centres.
Q: How do you see the role played by the Armed forces and the health care system at this critical moment?
A:I as a public representative must thank the health authorities starting from the higher officers to all other categories. At present, they are doing a tremendous job. The tri-forces too are doing a great job. The Government has set up a National Operation Centre for the prevention of COVID-19 outbreak headed by the Army Commander. Collaborative efforts are being made to take quick decisions and the Sri Lanka Army is giving great assistance and technical support to adopt whatever is needed in the present situation.
Q: On personal hygiene what can we do to prevent any viral infection?
A:The main thing is to avoid public places. It is appropriate to use a facemask when you have to visit public places such as supermarkets and shops. You should always wash your hands and use a sanitizer regularly and avoid touching the nose, eyes and mouth, and also have a frequent drink of water.
Q: Will the closure of the Airport for incoming flights have a big effect on preventing the coronavirus spread in Sri Lanka?
A:Of course. Most of the cases were reported from those who came from Italy. The closure of the Airport is a wise step taken by the Government. There may be repercussions. In my electorate too, lots of people depend on hiring vehicles to and from the Airport. However, we have to take preventive measures to safeguard the lives of the people.
Q: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has announced a series of relief measures to the public who have been hard hit by the coronavirus. Are these measures sufficient or do you think the Government should do more?
A:I think the President has done an excellent job by reducing the prices of some essential goods including dhal and canned fish. Those who draw daily wages cannot afford other items. I read many comments by the people praising the President for reducing the prices of these items. The President has also declared a relief package for those who have obtained loans, giving them a six month grace period. These are good moves to uplift the living conditions of the low income group.
Q: There have been many calls to postpone the General Election and also to reconvene Parliament to discuss this critical issue. What is your comment on this?
A: I think the lives of the people should not be put at risk. We have to campaign for the election and have pocket meetings. Everybody has stopped their campaigns.
The lives of the people come first so that the postponement of the election is not a major issue. This decision was taken by the Chairman of the Election Commission. I think it is a good move to postpone the election until the coronavirus cases reduce.
I don’t know whether it is legally possible to reconvene the dissolved Parliament. If party leaders could discuss and look at the legal aspect of reconvening Parliament and seek the support of the Members of Parliament to approve a supplementary budget, it would be a good idea.