Not enough tests, say experts; trust our way, says state

Tests in government labs

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Tests in private labs daily testing capacity daily testing capacity

If experts are to be believed, the number of positive patients in Maharashtra could be much higher than the one-lakhmark it crossed on Friday, as the state is testing at only 39% of its daily capacity. The state government, however, says there is no need for random testing.

In March, when the state reported its first case, only the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune was conducting the tests. Now, after 94 days, the number of testing labs has increased to 97. Of these, 57 are government laboratories, while the remaining private. This has increased the testing capacity to 38,000 samples per day. But an analysis by HT shows, the state is conducting a maximum of 15,000 tests a day.

On June 2, 12,440 tests were conducted, which increased to 13,793 the next day. It fell slightly to 12,559 on June 4, but increased to 12,866 on June 5 and surged further to 14,007 the next day. However, on June 8, 12,227 tests were done which gradually increased to 14,004 on June 9 and 15,988 on June 10. The next day, 15,508 tests were done, and a slight increase was recorded on June 12 with 15,731 cases. Currently, 19 of every 100 tests come positive. “Other than the current testing procedure (RT-PCR), we need a more sophisticated strategy for diagnosis,” said Anant Bhan, global health expert.

Experts say a large number of people could be asymptomatic or silent spreaders, as they carry Covid-19 pathogens without any symptoms. On May 18, the ICMR declared that asymptomatic high-risk contact of Covid patients can be tested without prescriptions. Despite this, there is no clarity among coordinators of the helpline of BMC and private laboratories. Also, high-risk contacts, too, struggle for tests.

“Random testing is not feasible because it increases the chance of false negatives. In private labs, per 100, we are getting 19 positive patients. While in government labs, the infection rate is 19.5%,” said Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, director of Medical Education and Drugs Department. “These guidelines are being made by experts who have years of experience. So, people need to trust them.”