B'luru: Medical staff break COVID swab sticks to 'complete target'

Amid a rapid surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, a video of medical staff breaking swab sticks used in COVID-19 tests, in order to 'complete their target' has gone viral. The incident was reported from Kodigehalli, near Hebbal, Bengaluru.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Amid a rapid surge in the number of COVID-19 cases, a video of medical staff breaking swab sticks used in COVID-19 tests, in order to 'complete their target' has gone viral. The incident was reported from Kodigehalli, near Hebbal, Bengaluru.

The BBMP has assigned targets to medical facilities to test a minimum number of people for COVID-19 each day. In order to meet this number, albeit without testing the patients, the medical staff at Kodigehalli were seen breaking the swab sticks so they could 'complete their target'.

In the video, shot by activists who received credible information about the issue, confronted the staff members and caught them breaking the swab sticks. They recorded a video of the same as evidence, which has now gone viral.

BBMP chief commissioner Gaurav Gupta said, "My officials and I have seen the video. Based on their recommendation, we have dismissed vaccinators from service. the officials concerned have been kept under suspension pending inquiry."

Kodigehalli Medical Officer Premanand and his staff were involved in this issue, it is alleged.

An FIR has been lodged at Kodigehalli police station.