As the day-to-day Covid-19 case load is hitting record higher every single other day, pathology laboratories are facing their toughest challenge to meet the soaring demand for the RT-PCR test to verify for the infection. Amidst this, Diagnostic centres are working round the clock to strengthen the turn-about-time for reports, by adding more gear and manpower to strengthen capacities. More labs are coming up and specifically in the country’s eastern and northern regions exactly where healthcare infrastructure is not up to mark. In an exclusive conversation with the TheSpuzz Online Dr G.S.K. Velu, Chairman & Managing Director, Neuberg Diagnostics Ltd., shared his views on the surge in Covid-19 instances and its effect on testing labs. They have also launched a RT-PCR ‘Drive through’ testing in Ahmedabad in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Excerpts:
The tremendous surge in COVID instances has amplified caseload on the diagnostics facilities. At Neuberg, how are you tackling this circumstance?
As the infection continues to spiral, we are working round the clock to accommodate most COVID testing requests we obtain. While strengthening testing capacity we want to think about a multitude of difficulties connected to volume, information monitoring, skilled human resource, and provide chain constraints. We are investing heavily on manpower, infrastructure, procuring gear, and instruction human sources to cater to enhanced tests per day. We are organizing to add 10 more labs to the current network of 14 and are organizing to set up more labs in the eastern and northern regions.
Our whole concentrate appropriate now is to provide cost-effective and accessible tests to every person. To accomplish this, we are tirelessly working with all our partners whilst guaranteeing all security protocols are followed.
Can you briefly inform us how the present circumstance is distinct from the very first wave in terms of infrastructure and readiness?
We have observed two considerable variations – an improve in the quantity of asymptomatic populations and more fast spread of infection in this present wave. To cope with the enhanced workload, we have made affordable progress. We have enhanced our testing capacity fivefold in comparison to the very first wave. However, a lot requirements to be accomplished to minimize the anxiety we are experiencing presently.
What revolutionary techniques are you undertaking to ramp up testing capacity and provide final results on time?
As talked about earlier, we are hiring more manpower and instruction them meticulously to make certain smooth functioning. We have divided our employees into many shifts on rotation, so that the work does not quit at any point in time. While performing this, we also make sure that our staff are not overburdened, affecting the high quality of work. Our committed TAT is 24 hours. We attempt to provide most reports of samples collected in the morning by late evening or evening on the similar day. Very seldom, in case of repeat RT PCR of any sample due to technical difficulties, it may well take some more time. With the actions we are taking to ramp up testing, we will attempt to minimize the TAT nonetheless additional.
We have introduced many testing selections based on buyer comfort, such as home collection and Walk in Kiosk. In a novel experiment, we even launched RT-PCR ‘Drive through’ testing in Ahmedabad in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). To expand the testing attain we have added two more drive by means of facilities in a span of just 15 days in Ahmedabad in association with AMC.
Centre has permitted private facilities to administer vaccination. Are you inoculating masses at your laboratory?
We have been the very first private lab to obtain approval for administering vaccination to our staff at our Chennai facility. We managed to vaccinate more than a hundred folks effectively. We have technically educated employees who can proficiently inoculate the population with utmost compliance. Currently, we are waiting for the government’s approval to administer vaccines for the public.
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The requirement for COVID-19 diagnosis has overshadowed other diagnostic needs. Your comments?
Yes, it has. This has been unfortunate as folks with other illnesses have not been capable to get the interest needed. However, these days, we have seen various more requests for non-covid parameters as folks who have chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart illness, autoimmune issues, and so on., want care.
Until we have a permanent answer for Covid-19 or it becomes endemic in our population, other illnesses, sadly, will be neglected to some extent since of worry in the thoughts of the public to step out and seek diagnostic services.
What are the important challenges you are facing today?
Since there is a drop in testing expense, we want to spending budget our supplies, manpower and operations expense whilst guaranteeing flawless service with no compromise on TAT.