A State of the Art, Covid Testing Centre at Central Research Laboratory, Maratha Mandal Dental College (MMDC), Belagavi, was inaugurated on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021, at the hands of Deputy Commissioner Shri M G Hiremath as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour Shri Sangram Patil, Governor Rotary International District 3170.
Rtn Dr K M Keluskar, President of Rotary Club of Belgaum welcomed all the guests, Rtn Shri Sharad Pai spoke about the Vision behind this ‘need of the hour’ project. He said that the reason for putting up this facility is to make swab collection convenient for the general public and also to ensure speedy reporting . This facility was made possible by the generous donations of many donors who came forward and contributed whole heatedly. The contribution of all donors was recognised and they were felicitated by Rtn Ann Utkarsha Patil and Smt Rajshree Nagaraju.
RTPCR – Trunat machine installed gives accurate and fast results
Sample collection at Lakeview Goaves Hospital, Home Collection also available at extra cost
Reports would be available the same day
Speaking from the medical point of view, Dr Shashikant Kulgod, Director Lakeview Hospital, Belagavi said that we are on the verge of a possible second wave and hence this testing centre has come at an opportune time. He explained that the sample collection would be done at Lakeview Goaves Hospital and Home Collection facilities for swab collection would also be provided.
Dr Kishore Bhat, Chief Microbiologist at MMDC and Director Central Research Laboratory expressed that the Truenat RTPCR machine for Covid testing donated by Rotary club of Belgaum gives highly accurate and fast results and can also be used for detection of other diseases like Tuberculosis and Chikungunya etc.
The reports would be available on the same day he said. Dr. Prakash Diwan, Director CRL informed that this Covid Testing Centre has been approved by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Laboratories) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) too.
The Deputy Commissioner Hon. Shri. M.G. Hiremath expressed that this will be a unique centre as it is placed in a dental college and urged the citizens of Belagavi to take advantage of this facility. He cautioned the public regarding a possible second wave and hence urged them to take all necessary precautions. District Governor Rtn. Shri Sangram Patil said that Rotary is always involved in community projects as rotarians firmly believe that there is joy in giving. This centre set up by rotarians will surely serve the society at large.
Smt Rajshree Nagaraju in her Presidential remarks said that Maratha Mandal is at the fore front of service to the community and will always rise to the occasion whenever a community oriented project is envisaged. She communicated her whole heartedly support to the poor and financially needy persons in society if they require testing.
Dr Ramakant Nayak, Principal MMDC delivered the vote of thanks. Dr Asawari Sant and Dr Shilpa Kodkany were the MCs.
This Centre is a joint venture of MMDC and Lakeview Goaves Hospital, supported by Rotary Club of Belgaum District 3170. Contact details for swab collection Dr. Sushant Guttigoli Ph. No. 9902758019. 08312403333.
