Cachar makes RAT test compulsory for patients visiting out patient departments in Govt. Hospitals

Any individual in Cachar district, if he or she visits a doctor in government hospitals will have to undergo mandatory Rapid Antigen Tests. The Joint Director – Health, Cachar has issued an order making it compulsory for all hospitals under it.

The letter states, “Rreference to the instruction of Hon’ble Minister, Health & F.W. Deptt., Assam and subsequent decision taken in DCC meeting under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, Silchar, all Govt. Hospitals will have to conduct RAT for all patients who will be attending OPD. The SDM&HO i/c all BPHC are requested to direct all the peripheral Govt. Hospitals to follow the instruction.”

This decision has been taken keeping the safety of patients and doctors in mind, informed district media expert, Suman Choudhury. Across the country, the credibility of the RAT kit has been questioned. In Assam too, several cases emerged where individuals tested negative on RAT and the same sample was positive on RT-PCR. Choudhury says, even if that is the case, the person negative on RAT is less likely to infect others as the viral load would be lower.

People are already hesitating when it comes to visiting doctors for regular health check-ups. Will this compulsory antigen test work as another barrier. Also, what about the delay that one might face due to this tests? “We have enough kits available in the district,” assures Suman Choudhury.

He adds, “It won’t take more than 10 minutes to know the result of the test and this is a safety measure taken for the larger benefit of the general public and doctors.”

This move has been appreciated by the people from all spheres.