Machine, men meant for Vid labs diverted to Jalgaon

Nagpur: Despite state government’s repeated assurance to the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court that Viral Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (VRDL) at Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Gondia would be made operational in a month, none of them is ready even as Covid-19 cases are increasing in all three districts.

Senior officials from government medical college and hospitals (GMCHs) at all the three districts blamed it on the government for diverting machinery and technicians required for its installation to Jalgaon, where number of cases has spiralled since last few says.

The respective deans told TOI that their infrastructure is ready but they are yet to receive other crucial equipment and machinery to start the Covid-19 testing.

At Chandrapur, the GMCH is yet to receive RT-PCR machine, which is most crucial for conducting these specialized tests. “The government has diverted our machine to Jalgaon by issuing a circular. Otherwise, we are fully ready to start VRDL operations. We are expecting the RT-PCR machine in a couple of days,” dean SS More told TOI.

In Gondia, though the RT-PCR machine was delivered, the technicians supposed to install it were taken to Jalgaon citing emergency. “We were told that the technicians will first install RT-PCR at Jalgaon and then visit Gondia. Except cold centrifuge machine and some other minor equipment, we are fully ready. We expect to start the trials by May 26-27,” dean VP Rukhmode told TOI.

In Yavatmal too, cold centrifuge machine is yet to be delivered, which is crucial for conducting the Covid-19 tests. “We have already installed RT-PCR machine, but until cold centrifuge machine arrives, we can’t go ahead. It’s expected to be delivered within a couple of days after which we can start trials. Our doctors and technicians have already completed training to operate the machines,” professor Dr Kamble told TOI.

After HC’s censuring, the government on April 23 had informed that it would take at least three to four weeks for making Covid-19 labs operational at GMCHs of all three districts, as purchased orders were placed through Haffkine’s Institute. Till date, none of centres have full set of machinery.

On March 23, the HC had first directed the government to open VRDL centres at Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Gondia, along with Gadchiroli within two weeks.

Reasons behind delay

* In Chandrapur, RT-PCR machine is yet to be delivered

* In Gondia, technicians are yet to install RT-PCR machine

* In Yavatmal, cold centrifuge machine is not delivered

* Many other minor equipment are not provided at all places

* Govt diverted RT-PCR machine and technicians to Jalgaon