No Covid tests at Namma Clinics, no RAT kits at PHCs

BENGALURU: Covid-19 cases have started increasing in the city and the BBMP and health authorities are preparing to ramp up RT-PCR and antigen tests. But coronavirus tests are not being conducted at Namma Clinics and PHCs as there seems to be a shortage of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits at the health centres in the city which has the highest number of positive cases.

The spread of Covid-19 can be controlled quickly only through increasing tests and detecting positive cases. But testing is not being conducted properly as RAT kits have not been supplied to Namma Clinics in Vasant Nagar health centres.

During the previous coronavirus waves more testing was also done in Namma Clinics. Those testing positive in a RAT test would be isolated quickly as they can spread the infection. However, these kits have not yet been supplied by BBMP and the Namma Clinics are not prepared to increase Covid testing at present.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chaired a review meeting on Thursday, had directed that the BBMP needs to focus on controlling corona without delay in testing. He had also promised availability of adequate funds.