For quick identification of coronavirus (Covid-19) patients, the Chhattisgarh health department is now going to deploy mobile ambulances for collecting swab samples from the patient’s home, a top official here said on Friday.
This was decided during a meeting of state-level command and control centre, chaired by state health secretary Niharika Barik in Raipur, the official said.
The mobile ambulances will have all facilities and medical kit required for sample collection, Barik said addressing the meeting.
“This will not only help in speedy testing but also ensure ample use of resources,” she said.
The health secretary directed to issue letters to all district collectors for implementing the new system.
A lab technician wearing PPE kit, N-95 mask and other safety gears will collect swab samples at the back of the ambulance, she said.
“While collecting more than one sample, the technician will have to change only their hand gloves and there will be no need to change complete PPE kit.
“The mobile ambulance will ensure multiple sample collection from different place on the same day,” the secretary said.
She directed officials to intensify departmental efforts for stopping the spread of coronavirus.
At district hospitals and health centres, essential services like vaccination, institutional delivery and other health services should remain available, she said.