Delhi: Another 4,000+ day, more hands on deck

NEW DELHI: Delhi government has directed mohalla clinics to start Covid-19 tests with immediate effect. The government on Thursday conducted over 58,000 tests and wants to increase the daily count further to identify more and more Covid-positive people and start early treatment.

In over 450 mohalla clinics, tests will be conducted through rapid antigen kits for free on all working days between 2pm and 5pm. All chief district medical officers-cum-mission directors have been requested to ensure that mohalla clinic-empanelled staff members are trained to handle the testing procedure, stated an order issued on Thursday evening by Dr Shalley Kamra, state nodal officer of the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinic cell.

“If results come out as negative despite an individual showing symptoms of Covid-19, s/he will be tested using the RT-PCR technique,” an official said, claiming rapid antigen test results had been above 95% accurate.

The mohalla clinics will have to complete their regular OPD services before 2pm “so that they can be ready to conduct Covid tests from 2pm,” said a source.

All people suspected to have contracted corona infections will be tested besides those who approach a clinic for a similar test. “The testing should be conducted at mohalla clinics as per the Delhi government protocols. All tests done will be updated on the Indian Council of Medical Research portal,” the government has ordered. The mohalla clinics have been given the updated guidelines and protocols on Covid testing.

Logistical support for carrying out the tests will be provided by each chief district medical officer, including personal protective equipment, rapid antigen kits and management help. Local arrangements will be made to sanitise every clinic at the end of each day.

A couple of districts such as North West have already started conducting Covid tests at a few mohalla clinics. The authorities are mobilising people to turn up for tests at various dispensaries, mobile vans and camps set up at different places on various days.