Latest news with #RTPCR
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Labs, private hospitals told to conduct Covid-19 testing per govt. protocols if prescribed by doctors
On the back of a slight surge in Covid-19 RTPCR-positive cases reported across the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday issued orders to all private hospitals and laboratories to strictly adhere to the central government's guidelines on Covid-19 testing. The PMC health department issued a letter raising concerns over an alleged rise in unnecessary Covid screening carried out by private doctors and labs in the city. According to civic officials, this unjustified testing is leading to panic among the public besides adding to treatment costs. 'RTPCR tests are being conducted without doctors' prescriptions, which violates testing protocols issued by the state health department. As per current government guidelines, RTPCR testing is mandatory only for all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) and 5% ILI (Influenza-like Illness) cases. Healthcare providers advise testing only after a proper medical assessment and in accordance with the protocols,' read the letter issued by the PMC, a copy of which has been seen by Hindustan Times. Dr Nina Borade, PMC health chief said, 'We have attached the official government advisory with the letter and asked all private hospitals and laboratories to strictly implement instructions to ensure targeted and appropriate Covid-19 testing, avoid unnecessary panic, and make efficient use of healthcare resources.' Dr Borade informed that a meeting was held with private laboratories on Tuesday during which the latter were told to strictly follow government guidelines during testing. 'The labs have been asked to carry out testing only as per government protocols and if prescribed by doctors,' she said. Civic officials said that during the review meeting, it was found that Covid RTPCR tests are being carried out in many cases even when it is not necessary as per government protocols like those with mild symptoms such as cold, cough and fever; those returning from travel; employees resuming duty after extended leave; preoperative patients; and those requesting testing without valid medical advice. Meanwhile, genome sequencing reports from B J Medical College have confirmed the presence of the XFG variant in the city. Health officials clarified that this new variant appears to be mild in nature however they emphasised the need to closely monitor patients with comorbidities and those showing SARI symptoms.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh reports 19 new COVID cases in a day
Andhra Pradesh reported 19 new COVID cases in the past 24 hours ending 8 p.m. on Thursday, according to the information on the COVID-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This is the biggest 24-hour jump in the State since the first case was reported from Visakhapatnam on May 20. Four people are reported to have recovered during this period. The active caseload in the State now stands at 50. The country reported 564 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking the total tally to 4,866. Meanwhile, there was no response from the Health Department officials regarding the number of tests being done and the preparedness. A 14-year-old girl tested positive for COVID-19 in the neurosurgery ward of King George Hospital (KGH). She was admitted to the ward for treatment of a brain tumour. 'Usually, we conduct all tests before performing any surgery. She tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test kit. She was shifted to the isolation ward. The sample collected from her has been sent to the RTPCR lab for confirmation,' KGH Superintendent Dr. P. Sivananda told The Hindu on Thursday. He said that the girl was doing fine and there was no cause for worry. The isolation ward has 20 beds, and the bed strength can be increased if needed. The required drugs and kits are available. There is no cause for alarm,' Dr. Sivananda said. Meanwhile, a pregnant woman hailing from Paturu in Anantapur district is being treated in home isolation after she tested positive for COVID-19. According to doctors, the woman visited the Anantapur Government General Hospital with symptoms of fever, cold and cough. A rapid antigen test confirmed her positive for COVID-19. Though she was advised to admit herself to the isolation ward at the hospital, the woman preferred treatment in home isolation. She was given the necessary medicines and face masks. Officials said the family members of the woman would undergo COVID-19 test, adding that the health condition of the woman would be monitored. Meanwhile, Anantapur Urban MLA Daggubati Venkateswara Prasad asked the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) Dr E.B. Devi, Municipal Commissioner Balaswamy and the GGH officials to create awareness about the measures to be taken to curb the spread of VOID-19. He wanted the officials to maintain sanitation in the city.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Covid in MP: Recoveries outnumber 8 fresh cases
Bhopal: According to Thursday's MOHFW monitoring, MP currently maintains 30 active COVID-19 cases, representing approximately 0.6% of India's total 4,866 active cases. The state documented 8 fresh cases since Wednesday, whilst the nation recorded 564 new infections. MP registered 10 recoveries, including 3 new ones, against India's overall tally of 3,960 recoveries, with 679 recent recoveries. The state reported one additional death, contributing to the national figure of 51 fatalities. The statistics indicate MP's situation remains relatively stable compared to the national scenario. As of June 2024, Madhya Pradesh administered first doses to 41,94,631 people aged 15-18 years and 24,10,963 individuals aged 12-14 years. Considering uniform age distribution, roughly one-third of the 15-18 age group has crossed 18 years by May 2025, making 13-14 lakh persons eligible for adult vaccination. Furthermore, children who were 11 years old in June 2024 have now reached 12 years, becoming eligible for vaccines in the 12-14 age group. This age progression underscores the importance of sustained vaccination programme to achieve comprehensive coverage across age brackets. 'CT Scan Remains Benchmark, New +RTPCR Kits Awaited' The efficacy of RTPCR tests requires updating. Currently only AIIMS -Bhopal is conducting COVID-19 tests. Accroding to sources, state govt has assured new testing kits pending availability. One medical expert cited, that there is a likelihood that with each variant routine RTPCR tests can have reduced sensitivity in detection, this necessitating CT scans as the benchmark for diagnosis. As for availability of booster doses show limited effectiveness, expert highlighted the need for updated vaccines targeting new variants. Some experts remind the current trend close to that observed during 2022, when omicron cases showed seasonal patterns. Clinical COVID-19 diagnoses relied on CT scans, with sporadic occurrences. The fundamental treatment approach remains simple: adequate rest, proper hydration, and consulting doctors if fever persists beyond normal duration.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
14-year-old girl tests positive for COVID-19 in Vizag
A 14-year-old girl tested positive for COVID-19 in the neurosurgery ward of King George Hospital (KGH). She was admitted to the ward for treatment of a brain tumour. 'Usually, we conduct all tests before performing any surgery. She tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test kit. She was shifted to the isolation ward. The sample collected from her has been sent to the RTPCR lab for confirmation,' KGH Superintendent Dr. P. Sivananda told The Hindu on Thursday. He said that the girl was doing fine and there was no cause for worry. The isolation ward has 20 beds, and the bed strength can be increased if needed. The required drugs and kits are available. There is no cause for alarm,' Dr. Sivananda said.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
5 new Covid-19 cases reported in twin cities
Bhubaneswar: Five new Covid-19 cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the active caseload to 19, health officials said on Wednesday. The new cases were detected in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. "We witnessed four recoveries alongside the new cases," said Dr Nilakantha Mishra, director of public health. "The situation remains well under control, and there's no cause for panic." The first Covid-19 case of this year was recorded on May 21. Since the pandemic's onset in March 2020, Odisha reported over 13.39 lakh cases and 9,215 deaths. Mishra emphasised that current sub-variants of the Omicron strain are unlikely to cause severe health complications. However, he advised that individuals experiencing symptoms of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) or influenza-like illness (ILI) should consult healthcare providers for potential testing. "We're maintaining stringent verification protocols, confirming all positive cases through RTPCR testing," Mishra said. "Our surveillance systems haven't detected any alarming or abnormal increase in cases." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The health department continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly due to the recent uptick in Covid-19 cases in some parts of the country. Officials said the state's healthcare infrastructure remains well-prepared to handle any potential surge. Residents have been encouraged to stay vigilant while following basic health protocols. Those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, though officials stressed there's no need for widespread concern. The health department will continue to provide regular updates on the Covid-19 situation and adjust preventive measures as necessary, based on the evolving circumstances.
