When it comes to halting the COVID-19 crisis, virus testing is key to diagnosing cases and tracking the epidemic. It is the only way to uncover just how many people have been infected, or could infect others.
The countries that acted swiftest in terms of testing have been among the largest successes of the virus containment. However, in Bangladesh, it is discouraging to learn that due to lack of skilled technicians, the government laboratories are lagging behind in testing for coronavirus human specimens.
Also we still do not have enough designated hospitals and labs to conduct COVID-19 tests. Reportedly, only the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) was conducting the tests at the initial stage, later the testing facilities were expanded to various government and private hospitals.
The countries that acted swiftest in terms of
testing have been among the largest successes
of the virus containment
But it is of grave concern that the capacity of these hospitals to conduct the tests is still very low compared to the soaring number of test seekers. People, suspected of being infected with coronavirus, are finding it hard to have their samples tested as they have to stand several hours in the long queues for giving their samples.
A tougher time is waiting for us unless we can expand our testing facilities immediately. Apart from testing at RT PCR laboratories, more importance should be given on rapid testing. Also skilled and well-trained technologists will have to be appointed for sample collection purposes.
Our testing capacity is inadequate to portray the real picture. Therefore, we must take necessary steps to conduct adequate and accurate testing and for that our testing facilities need to be expanded.
