Sri Lanka’s state hospitals are facing serious challenges in conducting influenza testing, with a severe shortage of resources forcing patients to seek costly alternatives in the private sector.
Each influenza test in private laboratories costs around Rs. 4,500, placing an additional financial burden on the public at a time when inclement weather has already heightened the risk of several communicable diseases.
According to senior health officials, the situation has created a significant delay in public treatment, as State hospitals can only issue antiviral medication after test results from private facilities are submitted.
They warned that it poses a “serious obstacle” to timely care and containment efforts.
Health professionals noted that the ongoing rainy weather could lead to a surge in vector-borne and respiratory diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis (rat fever), diarrhoea, and influenza.
They reported that cases of influenza, particularly among children, are already rising sharply, with both government and private hospitals struggling to manage overcrowded wards.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, especially in flood-affected areas, where rat fever can spread through contaminated floodwaters.
Symptoms such as persistent fever, cough, and cold should not be ignored, as delayed treatment may lead to complications like pneumonia, which can be fatal.
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