Srinagar, Apr 16 (IANS): The J&K authorities has denied reports in a section of media that the consignment of test kits from the ICMR meant for Srinagar was diverted to Jammu.

The J&K Information Department in a press statement quoting Samia Rashid, Principal, GMC, Srinagar, said, here on Thursday, there was no truth in that news report on diversion of the test kit consignment.

She said the consignment was delivered in Jammu and the next day it was received in Srinagar.

Rashid also asserted that there was no interruption in testing process because of any shortage of testing kits and that there were presently two testing centres in the Valley at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS, Soura.

She said the third testing centre was being set up at Jhelum Valley Medical College, Bemina.

The SKIMS doctors have also denied any shortage of test kits and have ramped up number of tests to 1,000 per day.

It has also clarified that Jitender Mehta, Divisional Officer, NHM, is involved in Covid-19 mitigation and management. Also, Mehta has no role in the procurement process.

On sample collection, Samir Mattoo, Director (Health Services), Kashmir, said it was being done aggressively at designated centres. He also denied reports that sample collection had been affected due to shortage of testing kits.