Mumbai: BMC-Run Rajawadi Hospital Reports Zero ELISA Tests After 4,016 Rapid Dengue Tests In 7 Months
Mumbai, September 18: In a surprising revelation, the BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar did not conduct a single confirmatory ELISA test for dengue between January and July 2026, despite carrying out 4,016 rapid dengue tests during the period. ELISA testing is used to confirm dengue infection following a positive or suspected rapid-test result, depending on the stage of illness. As per RTI…
Mumbai's BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar conducted 4,016 rapid dengue tests between January and July 2026, but did not perform a single confirmatory ELISA test during the same period, according to RTI data. Rapid tests are used for initial dengue detection, while ELISA tests confirm infection. The lack of ELISA testing raises concerns about how dengue cases are being confirmed at the hospital.
Dr Bharti Rajulwala, the hospital's medical superintendent, explained that ELISA testing is available through an outsourced facility and is not mandatory. RTI applicant Chetan Kothari questioned whether suspected cases were being properly laboratory-confirmed and reported for surveillance. Public-health experts suggest a uniform protocol requiring ELISA confirmation for rapid-test-positive dengue and leptospirosis samples at BMC hospitals or designated laboratories.
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