TY - JOUR A1 - Vidyarthi, Ashima A1 - Das, Arghya A1 - Chaudhry, Rama T1 - Challenges in setting up a diagnostic microbiology laboratory during coronavirus disease 2019 crisis and impact on the diagnosis of communicable diseases Y1 - 2015/4/1 JF - International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences JO - Int J Health Allied Sci SP - 230 EP - 233 VL - 4 IS - 4 UR - https://www.ijhas.in/article.asp?issn=2278-344X;year=2015;volume=4;issue=4;spage=230;epage=233;aulast=Vidya DO - 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1774_21 N2 - The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has left the health-care workers exhausted and the system dwindling. The challenges have been immense everywhere and even worse in developing countries. Despite the Indian Government's forethought and active investment in various national programs, the pandemic has brought unconceivable repercussions on the management and notification of several other lethal infectious diseases including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis. Although the phenomenal capacity building for COVID-19 testing and diagnosis over a short time is admirable, the journey has been arduous. From convincing the hospital managements to create the recommended infrastructure, to the procurement of necessary equipment and consumables on an urgent basis, and providing services round the clock with limited workforce, the laboratory personnel throughout the country have done a remarkable job in their quest to combat the pandemic. However, the work needs to be pursued further in apprehension and preparedness for any emerging agents. ER -