SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, June 17: Amid growing concerns of a possible Covid-19 resurgence, suspected patients in Dhanbad are running from one hospital to another in search of testing facilities. The absence of Rapid Antigen testing kits at Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College Hospital (SNMMCH) and the Sadar Hospital has left many patients, especially the poor, without any means to confirm their infection status.
Every day, large numbers of people arrive at SNMMCH and Sadar Hospital, only to be turned away due to a lack of testing kits. Unable to get tested at government facilities, many are forced to visit private clinics, where tests cost around ₹400—an unaffordable sum for economically weaker sections.
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Hospitals Await Supply of Testing Kits
SNMMCH Superintendent Dr. Dinesh Kumar Gindauria confirmed that only one suspected Covid patient is currently admitted at the hospital. “Due to the shortage of kits, mass testing has not yet begun. I have already written to the principal, and testing will start as soon as the supply arrives,” he said.
SNMMCH Principal Dr. S.K. Chaurasia added that he has written to the civil surgeon, Dr. C.B. Pratapan, requesting an urgent supply of Rapid Antigen kits to resume testing services at the hospital.
Sadar Hospital Faces Similar Crisis
The situation is no different at Dhanbad’s Sadar Hospital. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sanjeev Kumar also admitted that testing has not been conducted due to the unavailability of kits. He said that the hospital is ready to conduct tests but is waiting for the supply.
A letter has already been sent to the civil surgeon requesting immediate action to prevent patients from returning without clarity.
Civil Surgeon Dr. C.B. Pratapan said that orders for testing kits have already been placed, and the supply would soon be dispatched to both SNMMCH and Sadar Hospital.
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Lack of Preparedness Raises Concerns
In contrast to the preparedness during the 2020-21 wave, when SNMMCH received testing kits in advance from the civil surgeon’s office, this time the health department has not taken proactive steps to combat the possible outbreak.
A senior professor at SNMMCH remarked that although RT-PCR testing is more accurate, it is expensive. On the other hand, Rapid Antigen Tests are cheaper but less reliable. Nevertheless, the absence of even basic testing infrastructure has left the public in a state of fear and uncertainty.
