JAMMU, Jan 03: In response to the Government of India’s directive to enhance testing to address potential challenges posed by the new COVID variant-JN-1, a total of 354 tests have been carried out in the two prominent hospitals of the Jammu region since December 20 .
Highlighting the similarity in symptoms between COVID and influenza, health authorities are increasing both RT-PCR tests for COVID and influenza tests in accordance with the government advisory.
Dr Sandeep Dogra, Head of the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, reported that 159 RT-PCR tests for COVID and 195 influenza tests have been conducted. Out of these, one patient tested positive for COVID, and 11 tested positive for influenza.
Dr. Dogra emphasised that due to the similar symptoms of both COVID and influenza, both tests are being conducted in Jammu hospitals. The Government of India’s advisory, issued last month, urged all states and union territories to augment testing for patients exhibiting such symptoms in hospital OPDs.
Testing is being carried out in the premier hospitals of the region, namely GMC-Jammu and SMGS Hospital.
Responding to the government’s advisory, the J&K Health Department established two testing kiosks at Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu and SMGS Hospital.
According to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) formulated by the J&K Health Department, Associated Hospitals are required to refer suspected cases to GMC-Jammu and SMGS Hospital for testing, where the necessary facilities are available.
Dr. Sandeep Dogra mentioned that testing has now been initiated in other medical colleges and hospitals in J&K, including Udhampur and Rajouri. Dr. Ashutosh, GMC Principal, stated that the Government of India has also directed them to be well-prepared and conduct mock drills as and when directed to review their preparedness.
