Haryana TB officer inspects reference lab, forms panel to address issues

A day after the Intermediate Reference Laboratory (IRL) resumed operations following the deputation of a sweeper, State TB Officer Dr Rajesh Raju on Sunday visited the state-level facility to assess the situation that led to the temporary suspension of its critical tuberculosis (TB) culture and drug sensitivity testing.

The lab, which had halted its functioning due to the non-availability of sweepers, was back in operation on Saturday. Speaking to The Tribune over the phone, Dr Raju said: “The lab requires dedicated sweepers for cleanliness after the testing of infectious samples. I have recommended full-time sweepers to ensure hygiene and uninterrupted operation at the IRL.”

Dr Raju also constituted a two-member committee to address operational concerns at the ground level. The committee will comprise District TB Officer Dr Simmi Kapoor and IRL Microbiologist Dr Ravi, who will work together to resolve issues on a day-to-day basis.

He said since there was a shortage of sweepers at the District Civil Hospital, the sweeper deputed here was withdrawn by the Civil Surgeon, but now it had been again deputed, after which the lab resumed testing operation. “Since there was a backlog of four days, the lab staff worked on Saturday and Sunday to test the samples,” he said.

It is learnt that there are two sanctioned posts of the sweepers at this lab, but only one has been deputed by the District Civil Hospital. This lone sweeper was withdrawn last week due to which authorities halted the testing of samples. The Tribune in its Saturday edition highlighted the issue that the shortage of sweepers had “forced” the laboratory authorities to suspend testing activities. After the issue came into the notice of the authorities, a sweeper was deployed on deputation. After a temporary halt, this lab resumed operation on Saturday.