Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The top official of the health department last week confirmed 10 Covid -19 cases in Madhya Pradesh between April 22 and May 22 and the Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) of the districts have reported a noticeable rise in cases of cold, cough, and fever with symptoms resembling Covid -19. However, these cases cannot be officially confirmed Covid without RT-PCR testing, which is mandatory for confirmation in the state.

Despite the surge in COVID-like symptoms, RT-PCR sample collection facilities have not yet been re-established in district hospitals, as the health department has yet to issue updated guidelines on it.

Health authorities are currently handling the situation based on previous protocols as they work to curb the increasing number of symptomatic cases.

In Bhopal, the RT-PCR testing facility was available earlier. A kiosk for sample collection was set up at the entry gate of JP Hospital. That area is now being used as a parking lot. However, Bhopal CMHO Dr Prabhakar Tiwari has claimed that RT-PCR testing is still available.

Dr A K Lal, CMHO of Shahdol, said the RT-PCR testing facility is available at the medical college but not at the district hospital. “During the last spell of the Covid pandemic, tests were conducted at district hospitals,” the CMHO noted.

Jabalpur CMHO Dr Sanjay Mishra also confirmed that the medical college is offering RT-PCR testing. “We are monitoring cases of cold and cough. There is a 15% rise in cases due to seasonal changes and fluctuations in temperature,” he said.

Sagar CMHO Dr Mamta Timori stated that since no guidelines have been issued by the health department so far, sample collection centres have not been set up. “Cold, cough, and fever cases are being reported, but sample collection centres have not been set up yet, as we are waiting for official guidelines,” she said.