Private lab in WB sealed for illegal Covid-19 tests

A private diagnostic laboratory in north Kolkata has been sealed by the state government for allegedly conducting Covid-19 tests without authorisation from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The police have lodged an FIR and a fine of `10 lakh has also been slapped against the clinic.

Tribeni Clinics, the accused facility, is the first such test centre in West Bengal to be found in the illegal practice of encashing on the pandemic and face action.

The health department stated, “Following a complaint from a member of the public that M/s.

Tribeni Clinics, a Diagnostic Laboratory was conducting swab sample tests for Covid19 unauthorisedly, an enquiry was conducted by this department. The enquiry has revealed that the said Diagnostic Laboratory did not have ICMR's approval and was, hence, found to be conducting tests for Covid19 illegally. Taking a serious view of the matter, the state government has ordered the immediate closure/sealing of M/s. Tribeni Clinics, P-323, C.I.T. Road, Scheme VI M, Kankurgachi, Kolkata - 700054 along with a fine of

`10,00,000/- (`10 lakh) under the relevant section of the West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Registration, Regulation & Transparency) Act,

2017. An FIR has also been registered in the Phoolbagan Police Station for taking action under the Criminal Law.”

Meanwhile the Chief Minister tweeted, “Keeping in view the increasing need of ramping up specialised Covid treatment in the state, we have decided to notify Medical College, Kolkata as a fullfledged tertiary level Covid Hospital, which will start functioning from May 7 onwards. The facility at Medical College, Kolkata will start with

500 beds (for both Covid and SARI) which would be scaled up as per need, in phases. This will be the 68th dedicated Covid hospital of West Bengal.”