No printed report for ‘free’ check in Pimpri Chinchwad

Pimpri Chinchwad: People availing free Covid-19 test at PCMC-run dispensaries and hospitals are solely dependent on phone calls from health officials to confirm their health status as no printed test reports are being produced for such tests in the civic limits.

A 39-year-old woman in Pimpri Chinchwad got herself tested at a civic hospital after she showed symptoms akin to Covid-19. She was told that she would get a call if she was positive.

Next day, she got a call and was told to get herself admitted in a local Covid care centre. Thereafter, her family members were tested too. But, none of them got the call, indicating that their tests were negative.

Over 3,500 free RT-PCT tests are being conducted at PCMC-run dispensaries and hospitals in the civic limits every day. “You get a printed report only if you get the test done at a private hospital,” a civic official working in one of the PCMC-run dispensaries said.

The private laboratories charge Rs2,000 for the test. Pavan Salve, chief medical officer, PCMC, told TOI, “We will look into it. I will take this up in the next meeting. We are giving it to people if they ask for it. We did not have the manpower to conduct the tests itself. So, printing was not a priority.”

According to a private doctor, a clear and unambiguous result is non-negotiable, especially for asymptomatic patients. “A result stating the diagnosis clearly is the only way that people can know about their Covid status. The phone system is riddled with risks of misinformation and mistreatment,” the doctor said.

Over 3,60,000 samples have been tested in the Pimpri Chinchwad areas, which have resulted in nearly 84,000 positive patients. Of these, more than 78,000 have recovered. Over 2,00,000 of these tests have been conducted for free at civic-run facilities and there have been no paper trail on these, medical experts said.

PCMC commissioner Shravan Hardikar, did not respond to calls and texts seeking reasons why the printed reports were not shared with the patients


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.