The government has taken various initiatives to expand coronavirus testing facilities despite having limitations. The number of human sample collection and laboratories has recently been increased to widen the scopes of lab examinations. Although delayed but the experts pointed out that such initiatives should have taken place long before the possibilities of wider transmission of the deadly virus. They alleged that possible community transmission of the virus could be disastrous if the virus has already infected multiple hosts in the rural and semi-urban societies.
A total of around 6,300 samples were tested so far out of 17 crore people in the country. Of these, 424 were found infected with coronavirus. And the death toll has risen to 27. Sania Tahmina, directorate of health services said on Friday, some 1,184 samples have been tested in last 24 hours.
The virologist explained that on one hand testing facilities have increased but on the other hand, the quality of sample collection is very poor. It is alleged that the sample collection is not increasing due to lack of responsibility of the health workers. Bangladesh Post contacted the Additional Director General of directorate of health services, Professor Nasima Sultana who is in charge of coordinating the coronavirus testing of laboratories across the country for comments.
She said, “We are testing all the samples collected and sent to us. Currently the sample testing facility has increased. So, there is no question of any allegation about sample testing. However, if anyone complains that he or she was refused testing, we would definitely take necessary action as soon as possible.”
“At present, samples are being tested in 16 centers. We expect that another 12 centers will be ready within a very short time,” she added. Asked about testing capacity, she said, “It is difficult to say exactly how many. Normally a machine (PCR) can test 93 samples within 3-4 hours. Some old centers like as IEDCR, icddrb have more machines. But the new centers usually have one machine.”
The first patient diagnosed with coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country was on March 8. Now it has reached 424 after a month. Compared with the number of deaths and infected persons, statistics show that Bangladesh has reached closer to the countries where the incidence of coronavirus infection (death rate) has gone up.
Analyzing the daily data, it shows that the number of coronavirus infection rate is increasing at a very geometric rate in the country after increasing the number of tests in last week. Meanwhile, the government is also concerned about the rise in the incidence of corona infection. Health Minister Zahid Malek expressed concern about the rise in the infection rate.
In such a situation, experts have strongly suggested expanding coronavirus testing facilities in order to know the actual picture of the infection. They expressed deep concerns about the current rate of the infection and said that there is no alternative to continue testing of samples collected from suspected people.
Virologist Professor Dr Nazrul Islam told Bangladesh Post, “Though it was essential to increase the sample testing facility, however it has been extended now, which is a positive sign.” He continued, “However, the quantity of testing is not satisfactory. It would have been nice if there were arrangements of testing samples collected from all the upazilas.”
Prof Nazrul said, “Several areas including Tolarbagh, Madaripur, Gaibandha have been identified as risky clusters. Beyond that, it would have been better if we could check such a situation had been created in any other new areas. However, samples increased on Tuesday as compared to Monday. But compared to that, the number of infected is quite low. That is a good sign.”
“The exact situation cannot be explained based on just one-day information. That’s why this week is very crucial for us. We can get some authentic data after end of this week and may be obtain some realistic picture of the infection rate in the country.” Experts strongly suggested expanding the testing facilities among the communities where foreign workers have returned and perhaps socialized with others. They suggest that it is urgent to consider collecting sample of those who are now in the rural communities returning from abroad but they may not have the knowledge of their own infection.
The health department has screened at least 668,100 people from overseas at various airports, land and seaports and train stations. Of these only 66,810 peoples have been taken into quarantine. That means there are still numerous overseas workers who have not been screened and tested. They are suspected of transmitting the virus if they are also infected.
On the other hand, some experts have complained that despite the competence, not all the institutions of the country are being utilized for testing. They said that it is possible to test at least 4,000 samples a day in 16 centers across the country. Whereas, till now the highest 1,184 sample have been tested a day.
Prof Nazrul Islam added that the government has increased the number of laboratories. But the sample collection is not taking place proportionately. He blamed lack of coordination and negligence on the part of the health department officials. From the beginning, IEDCR was testing very limited number of samples as a unique organisation.
IEDCR Director Mirzadi Sabrina Flora told reporters many times in the last two months that her organization has the capability of testing 1,000 samples a day. But so far around 150 samples were tested at IEDCR. Professor Nazrul Islam earlier said that IEDCR had been lying to the nation about their testing capabilities at various times.
