Dodhara (Chandani): The Sudurpaschim Province is experiencing a shortage of COVID-19 testing kits as Nepali citizens returning from India through the Gauriphanta and Gaddachauki border points exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate has been unable to conduct tests on all suspected cases due to this shortage. Recently, three individuals out of 36 tested positive for the virus through antigen tests conducted at Gauriphanta. The Directorate has appealed to both the federal and provincial governments for an adequate supply of testing kits, as stated by Directorate focal person Hemraj Joshi.
The infected individuals, aged 20-32, include a male from Punarbas in Kanchanpur, a male from Dhakari in Achham, and a female from Dhangadhi in Kailali. Testing at other entry points has not been possible due to the lack of kits. Samples from those tested have been sent to the Central Public Health Laboratory in Teku, Kathmandu, for PCR testing.
With the increase in COVID-19 infections in neighboring India, the risk of virus spread in the border areas of Sudurpaschim Province has risen significantly. The Department of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Population has instructed its subordinate offices, hospitals, and laboratories to remain on standby for potential infections.