VRDL at Chandrapur, Gondia, Yavatmal still non-functional
   Date :26-May-2020

High Court_1  H
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Despite specific directions by the High Court two months ago, Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at Chandrapur, Gondia and Yavatmal have not been made functional. The RT-PCR machine meant for Chandrapur Government Medical College and Hospital has been diverted to Jalgaon due to which the lab could not be made operational, particularly when COVID-19 spread is being reported in various districts of Vidarbha. In a startling note filed before the High Court, Amicus Curiae Anup Gilda lamented that the order dated March 23 directing the State Government to make VRDLs at Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Gondia operational within a period of two weeks, has been followed only in breach.
 
The State Government, in its affidavit dated April 23, had promised to make VRDLs operational at Government Medical College and Hospitals of these three districts within three-four weeks. However, till date, the promise has remained only on paper though COVID-19 cases in these districts are increasing, Adv Gilda lamented.
 
Though RT-PCR for Gondia GMCH was procured, the technicians required to install the same were taken to Jalgaon citing emergency. In Yavatmal GMCH, RT-PCR machine has been installed but due to non-availability of Cold Centrifuge machine it could not be made operational, the Amicus lamented while urging the High Court to direct the State Government to make these VRDLs operational at the earliest. The note also complained about uneven utilisation and mismanagement of COVID-19 testing facilities since samples were not distributed among five centres due to which those under quarantine were forced to wait for longer duration.