New lab facility for PCR testing at Colombo Army Hospital
September 09, 2020- Daily PCR testing increased by 300
With the opening of the new Infectious Disease Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory facility at the Army Hospital Colombo, yesterday, the daily PCR testing capacity has increased by 300 in Sri Lanka.
The new full-automated laboratory facility was declared open by Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva.
The Army confirms the new facility boosts the national efforts for conduct of PCR tests and it provides capacity to conduct about 300 PCR tests for Sri Lanka Army personnel and their families.
Currently, 20 designated laboratories across the country are under the close supervision of consultant virologists and microbiologists who are carrying out PCR investigations to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The new facility, which is a brainchild of former Director General of Army Health Services, who is Health Ministry Secretary Maj. Gen. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, is jointly sponsored by Sampath Bank PLC, WSO2 Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and Ceylon Biscuits Limited at a cost of Rs. 30 million.
Army's Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Jagath Gunawardene, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Rasika Fernando, Director General of Army Health Services Brig. Chrishantha Fernando and senior officers were present at the occasion.
