People question authenticity of testing at CD Hospital
QUOTE: “There is something seriously wrong with the testing at CD Hospital and it might put thousands of people at risk. The authenticity of tests is being questioned,” Tousef Ahmad, Srinagar resident
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, June 9
A day after a person tested negative in the second test after testing positive at Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar, people have raised questions over the reliability of the testing facility, where thousands are being tested for the coronavirus every week.
Two days ago, a man had tested positive at Chest Disease Hospital, but tested negative a day after at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, raising questions over the credibility of the testing at hospitals.
“There is something seriously wrong with the testing at CD Hospital and it might put thousands of people at risk. The authenticity of tests is being questioned,” said Tousef Ahmad, Srinagar resident.
“This has created fears among people as all of them cannot afford to double-check the tests,” he said. People also took to social media, questioning the authenticity of test reports.
Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr Samia Rashid, however, said the change in the viral load of a person could show varying results on different days.
“This concern has been highlighted to us today. Based on our initial internal review, this outcome is a result of the difference in the viral load across a few days. In the particular case that was highlighted, we stand by our report. A person can be positive on one day and a few days later can test negative due to a lower viral load,” she said.
She said this must not be misconstrued or misinterpreted to suggest either of the testing facilities was not up to the mark. She requested the public to place trust in the healthcare system.
