Coronavirus threat: Committee to plan increase in testing capacity of KMU’s lab

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University (KMU) has constituted a core committee to chalk out a comprehensive plan to increase the testing capacity of the university’s Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL) in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The first meeting of the committee formed on the directives of KP chief secretary was held with KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Arshad Javaid in the chair. According to a notification, the core committee comprised of Dr Arshad Javaid (chairperson), Prof Dr Ziaul Haq, pro-vice-chancellor and Dean Public Health, Dr Zille Huma, Director KMU-IBMS, Dr Zohaib Khan Director ORIC, Dr Yasir Yousafzai, Director PHRL, Dr Asif Ali, Additional Director PHRL, Dr Khalid Rahman AP IPH&SS and Dr Hafsa, in-charge biosafety PHRL. Whereas Waseem Riaz, Treasurer KMU, Waseem Hassan Khan, Procurement Officer, Asim Khan AD administration and Alamgir Khan, DD M&P would be the supporting members of the committee. The meeting discussed the overall situation of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, particularly in KP.

It also took some decisions regarding enhancement of the testing capacity of PHRL up to 600 per day.

It was decided that urgent procurement of the equipment for scaling up the capacity of PHRL would be ensured.

The meeting discussed taking steps for maintaining the quality of the coronavirus tests and biosafety and infection control measures in the lab.

The vice-chancellor advised the members that all staff whenever required should be present at the campus.

It was also decided that due to emergency, hiring and procurement can be done through headhunting and single quotation.

The meeting was told that the budget should be made immediately and sent to the Finance Department for an early release.

It was agreed upon that technical and some support staff shall be placed for round-the-clock duty on a rotation basis to cope with the increasing burden of corona tests.

It was decided that two automated coronavirus testing machines would be purchased for PHRL to enhance its testing capacity up to 600. The meeting was told that the waste management company would be asked to collect the biohazard waste from PHRL twice a day.