“Test, test, test”- this was the message delivered by the WHO Director General to the world, now fully engaged in battling the coronavirus pandemic. Along with strict following of lockdowns, social distancing norm and all personal hygiene advisories, it has now been accepted by the medical world and all affected countries alike that in face-off with this most challenging and almost unparalleled global health crisis, testing is an essential part. A couple of interventions by the Supreme Court on Wednesday, will surely pave the way to adopt the right approach in this regard, most stakeholders fighting the pandemic believe.

There had been much talks at various levels including that India isn’t doing enough testing and as such a large portion of suspected cases are remaining undetected and virtually the country is combating the pandemic in a blindfolded manner. This is largely true from the beginning of the stressed period since the outbreak and during the ongoing lockdown as well. Reasons for this, as that had transpired over these days have been the acute lack of testing facilities in the country. But WHO has categorically underscored that without testing, potential positive cases cannot be isolated and the chain of infection will not be broken that will only invisibly continue lengthening, taking the chance of community spread to the next higher level. Responding to a PIL, the apex court has in most clear terms directed the central government to ensure that all coronavirus tests are conducted for free in both state-run and the private diagnostic labs. It must be mentioned that, as of now, tests are free in all government hospitals and in private establishments the charge varies from Rs 4500 upwards. But, looking over  the ground zero  picture, it’s clear that for the already overburdened  government healthcare units alone, it is not at all possible to shoulder this huge load of tests, which will add up to mammoth proportion as the days progress. Also, coughing up a minimum of Rs 4500 during this hard financial time will not be possible for a large part of the population. SC’s directive will thus relieve a great mental stress for the millions and to implement it, swift action will be needed. This must include enlisting of maximum number of private labs within the minimum possible time and wide circulation of this directive, so that chances of manipulation can be thwarted. In another major remark, SC, terming the doctors and healthcare professionals as  "warriors" in the  fight has also asked the Centre to ensure all-round protection for them. 

Two very vital issues have received the top court’s positive response and it remains to be seen how quickly they are implemented. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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