State Health Deptt to launch Assam Targeted Surveillance Programme from 17 June

June 15: As a crucial step towards combating COVID-19 effectively in the state, Assam Health Department is launching Assam Targeted Surveillance Program (ATSP) from 17 June, 2020. The health department aims to conduct more than 50,000 random testings in a week’s time, targeting vulnerable areas. In a notification issued on 15 June by Samir Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it was stated that, “A total of approximately 50,000 samples are to be collected from across the state under the Targeted Surveillance Drive. The exercise shall start on 17 June, 2020 and shall be completed on 27 June, 2020.”

1/4 As a #crucial step towards combating #COVID19 effectively in the state, Assam Health Department is launching Assam Targeted Surveillance Program (#ATSP) from 17th June, 20. We aim to conduct more than 50,000 random testings in a week’s time, targeting vulnerable areas. pic.twitter.com/BM3OerFmJg

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 15, 2020

Under ATSP, Assam Health Department will collect samples of people working in locations, such as, truck parking places, loading and unloading centres, godown areas, weigh bridges, dhabas etc. Staff of hotels engaged in institutional quarantine centres will also be tested. It was further stated that the frontline officials including Police personnel will also to be tested.

2/4 Under ATSP, we will collect samples of people working in locations such as truck parking places, loading and unloading centres, godown areas, weigh bridges, dhabas etc. Staff of hotels used as instn quarantine will also be tested. Frontline officials incl Police to be tested pic.twitter.com/nGMTI0gkdz

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 15, 2020

Further, ATSP will cover the family members/ co-residents of homes of persons who have been released from the institutional quarantine. This new exercise that is expected to finish by 27 June, shall involve the respective Deputy Commissioners who will ensure the availability of adequate facilities.

In order to facilitate people to get themselves tested, in case required, without having to visit hospitals, the health department has decided to open the following health facilities where swab collection for Covid-19 will be done free of cost:

• Gauhati Medical College OP
• Mahendra Mohan Choudhary Hospital OPD
• Dhirenpara FRU
• Pandu FRU
• Ulubari Urban Hospital
• Dispur Capital Dispensary
• Khanapara State Dispensary (6th mile)
• Bhetapara State Dispensary
• Lokhra State Dispensary
• Bamuni Maidam (East Guwahati) State Dispensary
• Santipur (West Guwahati) State Dispensary
• Udalbakra MPHC