The Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) lab at the Medical College in Rudrapur has not started despite being ready, with a shortage of equipment and staff delaying its launch. Patients are consequently missing access to several tests at discounted rates within the college.

The college administration has said the facility is expected to begin regular operations by 30 November. Until then, patients requiring these tests continue to depend on the arrangements currently available at the medical college.

Tests affected by the delay

The POCT facility is intended to provide testing near a patient’s bed or directly at the site of care. This would reduce the need to send samples to a larger laboratory before reports can be prepared.

According to the available information, the planned services include:

  • Blood sugar and diabetes-related testing
  • Glucometer-based blood sugar testing
  • Heart and cardiac tests
  • Sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium testing
  • Haemoglobin testing
  • Rapid tests for flu, dengue and malaria
  • Rapid urine testing

The lab has reportedly been completed, but services have not begun. The delay has disappointed people who expected the facility to provide faster and more affordable testing at the medical college.

Residents seek an early launch

Bablu Kumar, a resident of Awas Vikas in Rudrapur, said the lab’s launch had been announced 3 months earlier. He said patients were still waiting for the promised facility.

Rudrapur resident Shekhar Kumar said the absence of several tests was causing difficulties despite the city having a medical college. He called for the laboratory to begin functioning soon.

At present, testing is being conducted through Chandan Diagnostics, according to the college administration. This arrangement remains in place while the POCT lab’s equipment and staffing requirements are addressed.

College sets 30 November target

Medical College principal Dr C.P. Bhaisoda said a trial of the laboratory would begin next week. He said regular operations would start by 30 November.

Bhaisoda also said several tests would be provided free of charge for people covered under the Below Poverty Line category, Ayushman beneficiaries and pregnant women. The statement gives these groups a specific expected benefit once the lab becomes operational.

Conclusion

The POCT lab at Rudrapur Medical College is built but remains inactive because of equipment and staff shortages. The college has promised a trial next week and regular operations by 30 November, while testing currently continues through Chandan Diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why has the POCT lab at Rudrapur Medical College not started?

The lab has not begun because equipment and staff are reportedly lacking.

Q. What does POCT mean?

POCT means Point-of-Care Testing, which allows tests to be performed near a patient’s bed or at the site of care.

Q. Which tests are expected at the facility?

The planned tests include blood sugar, cardiac, electrolyte, haemoglobin, flu, dengue, malaria and rapid urine tests.

Q. When will the lab begin regular operations?

The college administration has targeted 30 November for the start of regular operations.

Q. What is happening until the lab opens?

Testing is currently being conducted through Chandan Diagnostics.

Q. Who is expected to receive free tests?

The principal said several tests would be free for BPL beneficiaries, Ayushman beneficiaries and pregnant women.