Rudrapur Medical College's POCT lab ready but tests yet to begin: shortage of equipment and staff; principal says trial next week, regular operation by November 30

The POCT (point-of-care testing) lab at Rudrapur Medical College has been built, but tests have not yet begun there. According to Amar Ujala, its launch is held up by a shortage of equipment and staff, and patients are not getting tests at concessional rates. In such a lab, tests are done at the patient's bedside or on the spot and samples do not have to go to a larger lab. It is to offer blood sugar, heart-related tests, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, haemoglobin, rapid tests for flu, dengue and malaria, and rapid urine tests. A resident of Awas Vikas said the lab's launch was announced three months ago. Principal Dr CP Bhaisora said tests are currently being done through Chandan Diagnostic, a trial will begin next week and the lab will run regularly by November 30. Many tests will be free for BPL and Ayushman patients and pregnant women.