As many as 1,800 samples from last Dec found untested
LATEHAR: In absolute mockery of protocols, more than 1,800 untested swab samples collected for Covid-19 test in December last year from remote villages were found dumped in a government hospital on Wednesday at Garu in Latehar district.
The matter came to light when two contractual workers were deployed at the aforesaid hospital to supervise Covid-19 testing and managing test reports. Taking strong cognizance of this recklessness, Latehar deputy commissioner (DC) Abu Imran said, “This is gross negligence. A report has been sought in this regard and those found guilty of dereliction of duty will face action.”
According to an office order (the copy of which is with HT ), Garu referral hospital in-charge medical officer Dr B B Bhagat recently deployed two health workers, Manoj Kumar and Santosh Kumar, at the referral hospital testing lab after most of the hospital health workers were found infected and asked them to look after testing process and report generation.
However, the duo found the untested samples at the hospital and sought directions from higher authorities before proceeding further.
“This revelation irked the medical officer, who called the two health workers and threatened them of dire consequences if they disclosed the incident,” said a source in the health department. But, the duo posted the matter on an official WhatsApp group of health workers, from where it went viral.
According to available information, of the total samples, 1,358 samples were collected for TruNat test and the rest for RT-PCR testing.
Besides not testing them, the samples were not despatched to
This is gross negligence...Those found guilty of dereliction of duty will face action ABU IMRAN , Latehar DC
district headquarters or Ranchi for testing as per protocol. Worse, health workers involved in the collection at that time, however, submitted a report to higher authorities, stating that they tested the samples .
TruNat testing facility is available at Latehar district headquarters, and samples are despatched either to testing centres at Daltonganj or Ranchi for RT-PCR test.
When contacted, Mahuadand sub-divisional officer Nit Nikhil Surin said, “The Garu in-charge medical officer has been issued a show-cause notice in this regard. Once he replies, the details will be forwarded to higher authorities.”