COVID-19: Should India test more?

It is clear that the rate of testing in our country is relatively low compared to some of the developed countries. Unless the testing rate is significantly increased, we cannot determine the exact number of positive cases.

Hyderabad:In a country like India with 136 crore population, only 1,50,000 tests were done to date. Tests are being conducted in 51 government-approved centres. At present, 10,000 tests are being done per day.

Medical experts suggest that COVID-19 suspects must be immediately traced, isolated and treated on a war footing basis. It is clear that the rate of testing in our country is quite low compared to some of the developed countries. Unless the testing rate is significantly increased, we cannot determine the exact number of positive cases. In addition, there are high instances of asymptomatic carriers.

The shortage of testing kits worldwide is one of the main reasons behind the low testing rate. Delays in permissions are also causing a problem. Due to the lockdowns and bans on international flights, we are facing a scarcity of resources.

Since the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) clarified that Indian medical personnel must use only testing kits approved by the USFDA and CE Europe, the domestic test kit suppliers were at a loss. As the problem blew out of proportion, the government has recently announced that the testing kits approved by National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune can also be used.

So far, it is taking 6 to 7 hours for the test results to come. The duration can be reduced to 2.5 hours with these new testing kits. The ICMR has also approved a testing kit manufactured by a German supplier.

Currently, 14 new testing kits are being considered for approval.