Shortage of manpower, logistics hampers Covid-19 testing in Ctg

With the number of samples increasing everyday for testing Covid-19 in Chattogram, the lone laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) is struggling to cope with the demand.

Located in Faujdarhat, BITID is the only hospital dedicated by the government for testing coronavirus in the division. Samples collected from at least eight districts are being tested in the laboratory, putting immense pressure on healthcare service providers.

At present, BITID has only one virologist and eight technicians to run the laboratory. With the existing logistics support, the laboratory can test around 40 samples a day. But now it has to test around 100 samples per day, said BITID officials.

For example, the hospital collected 140 samples on Thursday but could test 104 of those on that day. On Friday, 94 samples were tested.

"I have to work for 14 hours a day in the lab. I come at 8am and leave around 10pm," said Prof Dr Shakil Ahmed, in-charge of BITID laboratory. "The lab has a capacity to test 40 samples a day but currently the number has increased to over 100 every day."

"We have only eight technicians who not only work in the lab but also collect samples," said Prof Shakil, also a virologist. "We do not have an office assistant to type reports, so we cannot deliver those to patients on time. We are all working at least three shifts," he said.

Prof Shakil said he requested the authorities for providing at least two microbiologists and four technicians along with two office assistants to increase the capacity of the laboratory. "More hospitals and laboratories in Chattogram can be included for Covid-19 tests to reduce our load."

Prof Shakil suggested engaging Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and Chittagong University's Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and Microbiology departments in this regard.

"All the institutions have ideal laboratories, and if needed, we will arrange a training programme for them," he said.

Asked, BITID Director Prof Dr MA Hasan said they have been working to increase the capacity of the laboratory so that it can cope with the demand.

"We have already brought a PCR machine from the Genetic Engineering department of CU along with four research students of the department," he said.

Also, he added, "I have talked to the Chattogram divisional director of Directorate General of Health Services this morning [Saturday] and requested him to provide us with at least two microbiologists."

Contacted, Dr Hasan Shahriar Kabir, Chattogram divisional director of DGHS, said reinforcement will be provided to BITID soon to handle the increasing demand.

More laboratories in Chattogram will be added for this purpose very soon, he said, adding that CMCH will be engaged in a day or two for testing Covid 19.