RMRC Launches Sero Survey In 12 Odisha Districts

The Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar has begun serological survey in 12 districts of Odisha with a view to estimate the prevalence of Covid-19 antibodies in the general population and healthcare workers across the state.

The survey planned in the districts of Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Khordha, Puri, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, will continue till September 15.

Additional chief secretary (Health) PK Mohapatra, has issued a letter to senior officials of these districts requesting the district administration to extend necessary support to RMRC teams. Through this survey which would cost around Rs 60 lakh, ICMR-RMRC is planning sample and data collection from various districts.

Mohapatra cited that the findings from this survey will help strengthen the state’s COVID management and reinforce vaccination strategy. The government has said that the survey team would collect 6680 samples from 12 districts from the general population and 100 samples from the healthcare workers in each of these districts.

The district administration would support with the accommodation of the team members in the district and facilitate collection of blood samples. Further, Mohapatra has sought appointment of nodal officer at the district level who will coordinate and carry out field work in consultation with RMRC.