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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Scanner to detect SARS virus : experts to submit technical report by Shanika Sriyananda Liyanage Two local experts will fly to Singapore tomorrow to check the efficacy and accuracy of the thermal imaging scanner, prior to placing the order. The Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to take steps to tackle the SARS virus, last week decided to import a thermal scanners and install at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for easy detection of passengers with the SARS virus. Details of the machine have already been sent by the manufacturer to the Airport and Aviation Services Authority but the local experts are expected to submit a detailed report on the machine and its efficacy. Hemasiri Fernando, Chairman, Airport and Aviation Services Authority told the 'Sunday Observer' that they hope to purchase two Thermal Imaging Scanners (TIS) for the BIA, but needed an expert's report prior to placing the order. " One machine costs nearly Rs. 10 million and we do not want to waste money. Two experts - a medical doctor and an electric engineer- will fly to Singapore and submit a technical report. With their approval we would purchase the machine", he said. According to Fernando, only one manufacturer has responded and once the local experts prove the suitability, the scanners would be brought to Sri Lanka within three weeks. Meanwhile, a study done by doctors at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong found that the best protection against SARS was to use surgical masks. Although health experts have opposed the decision to purchase the scanners stating that it was a wastage of money, Health Ministry sources said the TIS could also be installed at the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama as the same technique can be used to detect breast cancer. |
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