BMC to start second phase of serological survey test, to create awareness and seek cooperation

@nag228

Mumbai: After getting a bitter experience from the residents of the cooperative housing societies and residential buildings in the first Serological survey conducted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the civic body is now trying creating awareness and educating the people about undergoing the test.

BMC officials are now contacting chairman and secretary of the cooperative housing societies and residential buildings in order to convince them and cooperate with them for conducting the antibody test.

In July, BMC conducted Sero survey in areas under BMC R North ward (Dahisar), M West (Chembur, Tilak Nagar) and F North wards (Wadala, Sion, Matunga) were surveyed in these three wards Slum and Non-Slum.

In the first survey, 4,000 samples were to be taken from residents in non-slum dwellings. But due to the reluctance of the building residents, only 2,702 samples were collected which indicates very few residents of buildings participated in the survey.

BMC officials and volunteers are coordinating with the secretaries of the housing societies and efforts are being made to educate people and dispel people’s hesitation regarding antibody tests.

A volunteer of R North Ward said that the slum residents are very supportive, while the non-slum residents do not behave properly. Many people have stubborn attitudes, while some do not even speak directly. The residents also fear that if antibodies tests positive, then they will be quarantined.

What is a Serological survey?

Serological survey is a test, wherein a group of individuals undergo blood tests to detect the presence of Immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibodies. IgG antibodies are produced by the body’s immune system on being exposed to a virus. It helps to identify individuals who were previously infected with the virus and have now recovered.  The civic body has tied up with NITI-Aayog and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for it.

In order to clear the doubts of the residents and create awareness about the serological survey test, BMC has been conducting door-to-door surveys in the three civic wards since August 10 which will continue till Thursday.

“We have started with the field work where volunteers are conducting workshops and sensitizing people from the residential areas about Sero survey and its importance. Unlike the first Sero survey, we don’t want to face the situation of resistance from people as the survey will be conducted in the same areas,” said Suresh Kakani, assistant municipal commissioner, BMC.- By Vikas Nag