Bombay High Court at Nagpur tells Health Ministry to consider use of rapid anti-body tests for COVID-19

The Bombay High Court at Nagpur, on Wednesday, directed the Uninon Minustry of Health and Family Welfare to consider directing its authorities to conduct rapid anti-body tests to test for COVID-19, given that the same takes less time for results..The Single Judge Bench of Justice AS Chandurkar said that it is necessary for the Health Minstry to consider whether rapid anti-body tests can be conducted, while hearing a plea seeking various reliefs and facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing was conducted via video conferencing..It would be necessary for the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through its Secretary to consider whether the rapid anti-body test could be directed to be conducted especially keeping in view the short time required for indicating the result of such test.Bombay High Court.The Court took on record a suggestion made by the amicus curiae Advocate Anup J Gilda who pointed out that according to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the test results for anti-body tests for the novel corona virus is quick and can be produced within thirty minutes. In this regard, the Court said,."The strategy for use of this test and especially the aspect of home isolation as an alternative to hospital treatment is also a relevant aspect to be taken into consideration. This would enable easening the pressure on hospitals at this crucial time.".Further, the Court has granted time to the ICMR to consider the expeditious setting up of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) facilities for COVID-19 testing in places like Akola, Yavatmal, Chandrapur along with Government Medical College at Nagpur. The Court was informed that an approval "in principle" has been granted but the ICMR is yet to consider whether the facilities provided are liable to be approved or not..In the meantime, the Collector and the Municipal Commissioner, Nagpur were also given time by the High Court to consider deciding whether it should be made mandatory for people to wear masks while coming out of their homes..On the issue of providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Hazmat suits for medical professionals, the Judge also noted, "it would be necessary for the Office of the District Collector as well as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation through its Commissioner to ensure that these protective kits are available in sufficient numbers for being made available to the Doctors, Nursing Staff and Sanitation workers wherever necessary and especially at the isolation wards at M.L.A. Hostel and Vanamati.".The case will be heard next on April 20..Read the Order:.Image from here