Villagers say no to rapid antibody test in Patiala

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 28

A team of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which went to conduct a rapid antibody test for the sero-surveillance survey at a village in the district, faced resistance from locals today.

The team could not collect samples at Shamdo village in Kallon Majra block of the district, said the Health Department.

We are facing a tough time in collecting samples. I request people not to pay heed to rumours. Tests are being conducted to stem the spread of Covid by isolating positive cases. We can win the battle against Covid only with community participation. I urge people to cooperate with the health teams. — Dr Harish Malhotra, Civil Surgeon, Patiala

The villagers refused to give samples and handed over a letter to the team requesting not to conduct any Covid tests. Sources said the villagers had already passed a resolution that no team would be allowed to conduct Covid-19 tests.

Dr Davinderjeet Kaur, Senior Medical Officer, Kallon Majra, said: “The villagers refused to give samples and asked us not to visit again. But, we took the ICMR team to another village where people gave samples for the sero-surveillance survey.”

Davinderjit further said that she had already written to the SDM and informed the Civil Surgeon about the incident.

Health teams are reportedly facing strong opposition in various parts of the district, especially the rural areas. Sources said similar incidents were reported from Samana, Patran and Nabha block.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Harish Malhotra said: “We are facing a tough time in collecting samples. I request people not to pay any heed to rumours. Tests are being conducted to stem the further spread of Covid by isolating the positive cases if any.”

He added that a lot of energy and time were wasted in convincing people to undergo tests.

“We can only win the battle against Covid with community participation. I urge people to cooperate with the health teams,” said Dr Malhotra.