Covid testing gets boost in Patiala

Tribune News Service
Patiala, June 3

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With the installation of a new RNA extraction machine (MGI 9,600), Government Medical College (GMC), Patiala, will now be able to test 3,000 Covid-19 samples daily.

The Medical Education Minister, OP Soni, inaugurated the new machine today.

Soni said they have installed similar machines in two other medical colleges — Amritsar and Faridkot.

Patiala Police organise cycle rally

Patiala: Senior Superintendent of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu organised a cycle rally on the occasion of World Cycling Day to create awareness related to Covid-19 on Wednesday. Around 125 police personnel took part in a 14-km rally, which started and concluded at the Police Lines. The Senior Superintendent of Police said, “People should follow guidelines, which include washing hands regularly, social distancing and wearing a mask.” TNS

He said, “With installation of new machines at VRDL Labs at medical colleges, the testing capacity has increased to 9,000 per day. This will help to combat Covid-19 more effectively.”

Dr Rupinder Bakshi, in-charge, VRDL Lab, said the new RNA extraction machine costs around Rs1.5 crore. She said the machine could test up to 3,000 samples.

Patiala MP Preneet Kaur the state has been taking proactive measures to tackle Covid-19 outbreak.

Social distancing goes for a toss

Social distancing norms went for a toss when Soni inaugurated the lab. The rules were flouted in the presence of senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, Civil Surgeon and Senior Superintendent of Police. A health official said, “All are policymakers. They themselves should realise their responsibility and follow the guidelines.”