Less Testing done in Gujarat is in discussion across every news channel for controlling the numbers of COVID-19 positive cases in state. In Vadodara on an average daily 120 to 160 tests are done at SSG hospital which is the only government laboratory for whole Central Gujarat. On March 24, Vadodara’s SSG Hospital began diagnostic facility for COVID-19 tests. Samples from Vadodara were earlier sent to BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad.
As a plan to increase the testing capacity of Vadodara district two private labs and Parul Sevashram Hospital, Dhiraj General Hospital and GMERS Gotri applied for ICMR (The Indian Council of Medical Research) approval.
Parul Sevashram Hospital started from scratch, establishing a molecular lab, procuring PCR machine and kits, developing all protocols and getting NABL(National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation, and getting ICMR nod. Since 11th May laboratory is ready to conduct tests for Covid-19.
On 19th May RT PCR Laboratory was inaugurated by VMC Commissioner and O.S.D Dr. Vinod Rao at Gotri Medical College Hospital which has a capacity of about 200 tests per day.
But both of these labs have not got a nod from Gujarat Government to perform test. Sources in VMC said they are not sure when the approval will be given.
Total tests done till date in Vadodara are 8984 and 995 total positive reported cases with 42 deaths.
