COVID-19 hospital at SKIMS Medical College Bemina starts COVID-19 testing lab

Srinagar: Tuesday the designated COVID-19 Hospital at SKIMS Medical College Bemina started the COVID-19 testing lab to perform tests through RT-PCR. Keeping in view the importance of testing, the Government of J&K desired to increase the number of testing facilities in the UT and SKIMS Medical College was asked to commission the testing facility on fast track basis and the efforts of Department of Microbiology SKIMS Soura, SKIMS MC Bemina and the Engineering wings of SKIMS Bemina (JVC), facilitated the commissioning of the lab in the shortest possible time.
Initially around 30 tests will be performed and within few days it will be doubled as more and more staff receiving training will be put on shifts to enhance the capacity for conduct of 100 tests a day.
The advanced equipment including RNA extractor availability will increase the daily testing manifold and same is under consideration. The facility thrown open by the Director SKIMS, Dr A.G Ahanger in presence of the District Magistrate, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudary and Principal SKIMS Bemina (JVC) while Dr. Mubarak Naqash, Head COVID-19 Management team, HOD Microbiology, SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina, Medical Suptt, Senior Faculty, Executive Engineers, Civil and Coordinator.
The Director SKIMS complimented the Principal SKIMS Bemina and his team for establishing this much needed facility in shortest possible time. He hoped that this facility will boost the testing capacity in the valley particularly in view of the strategic location of this Hospital on highway and working as the largest COVID-19 Hospital in the UT of J&K.
On the occasion the Principal SKIMS Bemina (JVC) said that besides, 112 COVID-19 positive patients admitted in this Hospital for treatment the facility will benefit the district hospitals of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora & other adjoining areas as well.