27-05-2025
DHO, others inspect COVID-19 testing facilities at K.R. hospital
Amidst a fresh COVID-19 scare, officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Mysuru, inspected the Molecular and NCS Laboratory located on the K.R. Hospital premises on Tuesday. The visit was aimed at reviewing the hospital's preparedness for testing and managing COVID-19 cases in line with the new directives issued by the State government.
District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Kumaraswamy, accompanied by senior doctors from K.R. Hospital, examined the RT-PCR testing facilities and other preventive measures in place.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Kumaraswamy said, 'We are working on streamlining arrangements for testing, including reviewing technical specifications and sharing insights to ensure effective follow-up in response to the newly reported cases.'
According to the DHO, the laboratory houses five testing units, each capable of processing up to 90 RT-PCR tests per day. 'It typically takes about 4 to 5 hours to generate each test report,' he added.
Dr. Kumaraswamy noted that the new variant of COVID-19 appears to be causing only mild infections. 'There is no need to panic. The Health Department is taking all necessary precautions and adhering strictly to the guidelines issued by the government. The labs are fully equipped and can operate 24x7 if case numbers rise,' he stated.
The department has also directed healthcare providers to conduct tests on patients presenting with severe respiratory tract infections, with specialist doctors required to prescribe such tests. In addition, people with co-morbidities have been advised to wear masks as a precautionary measure.
Awareness and sensitisation campaigns are under way to keep the public informed and prepared, Dr. Kumaraswamy added.
