Maharashtra seeks nod for labs in Kalyan, Bhiwandi

MUMBAI: Health minister Rajesh Tope said the state has sought approval from ICMR for starting Covid-19 testing labs in corporations like Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur and Ulhasnagar. He said like Mumbai, augmentation of beds by setting up jumbo facilities in those areas had started and nearly 1,000 oxygen beds and over 300 ICU beds will be added in few days. He said the state sought relaxation in plasma collection norms, which will make it easier for more blood banks to participate.
While NMMC reported 273 fresh cases and four deaths, taking the count to 10,546 and toll to 322, it is looking at increasing daily testing by around five times. Around 500 samples are being sent for testing daily. Around 40,000 antigen kits have arrived and 60,000 more are being procured. These tests will be free for symptomatic patients and close contacts.
NMMC chief Abhijit Bangar told the administration to start working on a pathology lab for testing samples. The lab is expected to be set up in eight days. NMMC has five authorised labs now. The earlier chief had decided to have a dedicated lab but due to labour shortage and reluctance to work at Vashi Covid hospital, the decision was not implemented.
“As Bangar took charge on Tuesday, he responded quickly to pleas for an in-house path laboratory,” said B N Kumar, director, NatConnect Foundation. People were being made to wait endlessly for results of swab tests. The other option was to opt for private labs, which would charge Rs1,800-2,800 per test.
PCMC reported 134 cases and seven deaths on Thursday. Cases shot up to 4,469 and toll to 107. Meanwhile, 63 tested positive in Panvel rural but no death was reported. In Uran, there were 17 cases and two deaths. The Mira-Bhayander municipal corporation began testing with 4,000 antigen kits. Citizens have been defying lockdown and protesting the third extension.