J&K administration is contemplating a population-based serological survey in all districts to estimate extent of COVID19 infection within the community.
A sero-survey involves testing of blood serum of a group of individuals to be used to monitor trends in prevalence of coronavirus or SARS-COV-2 infection.
An official said the proposal was mooted after Government Medical College Srinagar conducted a survey to estimate sero prevalence of Immunoglobulin-G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers and general population of Srinagar from June 15 to July 15.
The GMC is also conducting sero-survey on behalf of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, the official said.
Dr Muhammad Salim Khan, Head Department of Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar said they have been asked to submit a proposal to National Health Mission for funding sero survey in all districts of Kashmir.
“Earlier a sero survey in Srinagar was funded by GMC and district disaster management authority and another survey in Pulwama whose result is yet to come is being funded by ICMR,” he said.
The move to conduct sero survey will not only help the government and its agencies monitor COVID19 trends but it will also check community transmission of the infection.