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| Sunday, 27 April 2003 |
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Thermal scanner for BIA under fire by Shanika Sriyananda The decision to import a thermal scanner from Singapore to expedite medical examination of passengers suspected of being infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has come under heavy criticism from health experts. The scanner is already being air-freighted, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 million. According to health services, two thermal scanners are needed to be installed at the two arrival gates at the Bandaranike International Airport (BIA) for them to be really effective. The scanner automatically records the temperature of patients. This decision to import and install a thermal scanner was taken by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, appointed to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the killer virus. According to health sources, this decision is not cost effective since patients can cheat the machine by taking two panadols to control fever. "Then the temperature rate will not be indicated on the machine", they said, adding that such a machine was ineffective for Sri Lanka since the country had taken all precautionary steps to counter the SARS threat. These machines, already installed at the Hong Kong and Singapore Airports to detect SARS patients, use thermal strips to count fever. "Those countries are rich and they can afford to buy these sophisticated equipments but can we ?" they queried. The Health experts wonder why the Cabinet Sub Committee took such a decision while the World Health Organisation (WHO) appreciated the precautionary steps taken by the Sri Lankan government to prevent spreading. "We have a tough round the clock surveillance. The Airport authorities keep a sharp eye on every patient and facilities to treat patients have been strengthened", he said. However, the Cabinet Sub Committee has also decided to advise Sri Lankan Missions abroad to issue visas with circumspection particulary for visitors from countries listed by the WHO as being affected by SARS. Incoming passengers are advised to fill the forms and to answer questions relating to SARS infection which would help health authorities to identify and treat suspected cases of SARS on landing. Dr. W.A.G. Jayasekara, the BIA medical Officer, confirmed that nearly 70 passengers have been screened at the BIA during the last few weeks but no SARS infected case was found. |
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