The J&K government has given a cold shoulder to the health departments proposal of procuring 1 lakh rapid polymerase chain reaction (rapid-PCR) kits to carry extensive sample collection in the identified red zones of Kashmir to detect prevalence of coronavirus.A communication for procurement of the kits was sent on April 9 by the office of the controller of stores (Health) to the J&K Medical Supplies Corporation.
However, so far there has been no response from the Corporation to the demand. “In view of the pandemic of n-Covid 19 the government has declared various villages/ areas as red zones in Kashmir. The health department is intending to depute medical teams for sample collection to detect the coronavirus cases in the identified/ declared red zones,” reads the communication, a copy of which is with Greater Kashmir.
“In this context”, the communication reads, “I am directed to approach your good self to request you to kindly provide 1 lakh RT- PCR kits to the directorate of health service Kashmir on priority basis for the purpose.”Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Sameer Matoo said the government entirely can decide on procuring the kits.
