BAJURA, DECEMBER 22
District Hospital Bajura has started to conduct PCR tests for the first time, after two years since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Prakash Raj Joshi shared that the initiative to operate a PCR lab in the district itself has finally succeeded.
Prior to this, all tests had to be done in Dhangadhi, Doti or other neighbouring districts, Dr Joshi said.
The lab conducted its first tests on 77 samples of which six came out positive. The hospital, in a bid to reconfirm the results, sent the swabs to Kathmandu, which was followed by an assurance that the tests were carried out properly and the reports were valid.
Earlier, the swabs were either tested through antigen tests or by sending them to other facilities, the waiting time for which which was a week or so.
The new PCR lab was established under the joint support from federal government as well as provincial government in association with federal parliament lawmaker Lal Bahadur Thapa. Other necessary equipment were aided by the District Hospital Bajura through tender.
The hospital has appointed Ram Bista as its medical lab technology officer.
The Chief District Officer of Bajura stated that the lab will ensure that are tests are easy, convenient and cost-effective.
