We will return faulty kits: Harsh Vardhan

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:25.04.2020

Faulty rapid antibody testing kits will be returned to the respective countries, whether China or any other nation, if they continue to malfunction, health minister Harsh Vardhan said while addressing state health ministers on Friday.

“Faulty antibody testing kits will be returned if they don’t work properly, whether they belong to China or any other country. We have not paid for the kits yet,” Vardhan said during the video conference meeting to review measures on Covid-19. Several states have complained about the recently acquired kits from China, leading to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) deciding to check the antibody tests.

Sources said ICMR is looking at several aspects ranging from how the kits were being used to whether they were faulty in terms of manufacture. The kits have been supplied by two Chinese firms. The concerns include whether the kits are able to pick up the right quantity of blood for testing, if there are issues regarding temperatures during use and the manufacturing itself.

“The results of the test vary from place to place and it can’t be relied upon. Moreover, the World Health Organization has also not commented on its accuracy. The ICMR is reviewing the efficacy of the test and the kits in its own labs and shall come out with fresh guidelines soon,” Vardhan said.

Full report on www.toi.in