Health lab in Ghaziabad looks at upgrade; more staff, equipment to be added

GHAZIABAD: The regional public health laboratory running under the district’s Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme (IDSP) at MMG District Hospital is now going to be upgraded. The lab in Ghaziabad is the second such facility in the state after Lucknow.
At present, tests for dengue, chikungunya, malaria and swine flu are being done here. After upgradation, tests for viral hepatitis, A and E, measles, blood culture and cholera would also be done, besides comprehensive testing of water samples.
District surveillance officer Dr RK Gupta said that the lab was established long back in the district and was working with the IDSP.“Regional public health labs are present only in two districts in the state. Till now, the lab in Ghaziabad was not functioning at its full strength due to various reasons. Recently, with an aim to increase the ambit of the laboratory, the matter was raised with the district administration, which in turn has written to the director of the National Health Mission to provide human resources and equipment,” the DSO added.
At present, a microbiologist is working at the lab and some lab technicians from other wings have been deputed here. In the letter, the health department has demanded more lab technicians, assistants and supporting staff, besides the equipment.
Dr Gupta told TOI that in place of rapid tests for dengue, they will be able to carry out Elisa tests for the disease, which is confirmatory in nature. “The lab would help us in collecting data of prevalent diseases and framing policies and preventive measures accordingly.”
About two years ago, a central government team had recommended upgrading the lab after an inspection, but due to the pandemic, it could not be implemented. With the upgrade of the lab, the residents of the district will be able to get rid of expensive tests at private labs.