The Association of Public Health Inspectors has issued a special request to the Epidemiology Branch, urging an immediate investigation into the incorrect information entered into the infectious disease data system. Roshan Kumara, an executive member of the association, highlights the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that during the ongoing strike by public health inspectors, false information about conducted tests has been entered into the data system.
Kumara reveals that, due to the strike initiated last week based on several demands, no tests related to infectious diseases have been conducted. However, misleading information indicating otherwise has been recorded in the data system. This discrepancy poses a significant challenge in accurately monitoring and responding to infectious diseases within the country.
Public health inspectors typically gather information from field tests and relay it to the medical officer of health in the respective area. This information is then transmitted to the specialist doctor overseeing the relevant data system in the Epidemiology Department. However, since the commencement of the strike, field inspections have been halted, leading to a lack of accurate data in the system.
The Association stresses that decisions regarding the prevention of epidemic diseases in the country heavily rely on the information stored in this data system. The union emphasizes the urgent need for an investigation to rectify the inaccuracies and ensure the integrity of the infectious disease monitoring system.
