Varanasi: The state government will now begin to provide funds for RT-PCR tests, Covid-19 care and related requirements at Hindu Banaras University through the Ministry of Medical Education.
Virological research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) BHU has stopped conducting RT-PCR tests amid threats to towering the third covid waves as a company contribution and supplier that provides running ingredients for tests and RT-PCR drugs soar to RS 20 Crore and supplies stops.
Varanasi DM Kaushal Raj Sharma told TII on Sunday, “The state government is preparing to expand funds to Bhus Labs and hospitals for RT-PCR tests and other Covid-19 facilities.
Bhu officials inform that company contributions and suppliers that provide materials consumables for RT-PCR tests and drugs to treat black fungal infections, have surged to RS 20 Crore.
We have asked them to send separation.
“Medical supervisor of SSL Hospital Bhu, Prof.
KKK K Gupta said the details of the contributions were being prepared for Sent to the District Administration.
The multidisciplinary research unit from the Anatomy Department at the Institute of Medical Science (IMS-BHU) also conducts RT-PCR tests but has limited funds.
Swab samples from Varanasi and five surrounding districts are being tested at the VRDL and Multidisciplinary Research Unit Laboratory.
Bhu officials said the university received a grant from the Ministry of Union Education but there was no provision for expenses to overcome the pandemic in it.
“Despite this fact, we extend full cooperation to the state government in fighting Covid-19.
However, expenditure contributions for RT-PCR tests in the lab and Covid-19 treatment facilities continue to accumulate,” said Prof.
Gupta.
VRDL responsible Prof.
Gopal Nath said, “Since the first Covid wave, 21 lakh samples, including 10.50 lakh during the second wave, tested in VRDL.
The state government does not provide funding for consumables such as microtypes, PPE kits, masks, gloves hands, sanitisers, head coverings, plastic plates for RNA extraction, PCR plates and others.
On average, RS 100 is spent on consumables for each RT-PCR test.
Expenditures for these items are only Rs 11 Crore.
“Remember increasing Pressure from suppliers to clean their contributions, the university administration held a meeting on August 7 where it was decided to stop the RT-PCR test at VRDL from August 16.
“We were given guarantees by district officials and we advanced testing until August 31.
However, when supplier contributions were not cleaned, we stopped testing from September 1,” said Prof.
Nath.
DM said that Rs 9.5 Crore will be paid in three installments through state disaster relief funds to clean up contributions.