Mangaluru: To avoid delays in the Covid-19 testing process, and to reduce the load in the RT-PCR lab at the Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru, the health department is ready to open a full laboratory in Putture.
The new lab will have all facilities for RT-PCR and other tests, including malaria and dengue tests.
District administration has prepared an estimate of Rs 1 Crore to establish a new lab, through state disaster response funds (SDRF) in Putture.
The swabs for RT-PCR tests from the Taluk Hospital, Public Health and PHCs from SULLIA, Putture, Kadaba and Belthangady Taluk will be sent to the new lab in Putture, after opening.
Likewise, the new lab will also function as a second district laboratory with all infrastructure.
At present, the swab for the RT-PCR test from the region is transported to the KVG Medical College in Sutia, and Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru.
District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr.
Kishore Kumar M told toi that the preliminary survey of the Taluk Putture Hospital and the surrounding area had been carried out to establish a new lab.
“A project report with estimates for a new lab in Putture has been prepared.
Because the Taluk puture hospital does not have enough space, we have a plan to open a lab in one of the buildings available in the complex.
We have plans to shift the RT-PCR unit from SULLI to Putture.
In addition, the demand will also be sent to the government to sanction the new RT-PCR engine for a new lab in Putture, “he said, adding that the new lab is expected to be opened in a month after the start of the work.
“Even though the number of tests conducted in the district is reducing, we will be ready with all infrastructures.
The test level of test in Dakshina Kannada does not cross 2% after September 7.
The number of cases of everyday in this district is also less than 200 in the last 10 days, ‘ ‘he said, adding the district has carried out an average of 10,000 RT-PCR tests per day.
The district has eight laboratories that conduct RT-PCR tests, including two government facilities at the Wenlock District Hospital and KVG Medical College in SULLIA, as well as six private labs .
Nearly 80% of RT-PCR tests were carried out in government laboratories at Wenlock District Hospital and in Putture.