SVIMS becomes testing centre for COVID-19 in AP

Tirupati: Amidst the fears of COVID 19, the virus research and diagnostic lab (VRDL), which is the State level virus diagnostic lab at Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) has been identified as a nodal centre to transport specimens of nasopharynx.

With this, it has become the State-level nodal centre to diagnose samples of suspected coronavirus cases.

Accordingly, National Institute of Virology, Pune has sent diagnostic kits required for the diagnosis of COVID 19 to the VRDL lab and they reached here on Friday.

The Medical Superintendent of SVIMS Dr Ram told The Hans India that the staff and doctors working at the VRDL lab were getting accustomed to conduct the tests. Hereafter, it will be the lone testing centre for the entire State of AP.

He added that, the Institute is well equipped to meet any emergency arising from COVID 19 pandemic. During the last 45 days, post graduates, internees and faculty of emergency medicine have been informed about the clinical features by which COVID–19 patients could easily be identified at the first opportunity.

The institute has created six-bedded isolation ICU, equipped with ventilators, monitors and personal protective equipment for staff. and all medications for treatment of COVID 19 have been stocked in sufficient numbers. So far, no individual approached them with symptoms suggestive of COVID 19, he said.

It was learnt that, all the nodal officers of COVID 19 in the 13 districts have formed a group in which VRDL lab of SVIMS also has joined now. With this, the suspected cases can be discussed to send the samples to the lab for investigations.

The District Medical and Health Department was also on high alert in view of flow of pilgrims especially in Tirupati city. The DM&HO has said that a rapid response team was set up in view of the fears of coronavirus and people can call 9849902379 and get services of treatment and prevention.

He advised the people to approach nearby government doctors in case of any suspected symptoms. Awareness camps are being held in all areas to explain to the people about the myths and realities of the disease.

However, at railway station and bus station complexes more cleanliness and awareness are required on which the officials have to focus their attention. At airport also, systematic screening was not being done except setting up an awareness centre.

As the city has several reputed educational institutions and universities in which students from across the country have been studying, more caution has to be taken.

As of now, there is huge demand for masks and hand sanitisers which are not available easily in the market. As a result, the prices have skyrocketed.

On the other hand, the doctors have been saying that people should not panic about the coronavirus and several awareness teams were on work.