HRD Minister launches world's most affordable COVID-19 diagnostic kit

NewsBharati    16-Jul-2020 11:26:56 AM
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New Delhi, July 16: Stepping towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India, Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' launched the world’s most affordable RT-PCR based COVID-19 diagnostic kit developed by IIT Delhi. The kit is approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) in New Delhi.
 
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The Minister lauded the work done by the IIT Delhi researchers and congratulated everyone involved in the development and manufacturing of the kit. The Minister appreciated Prof. Vivekanandan Perumal and his research team of IIT Delhi for developing of COVID 19 diagnostic kit.
 
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Speaking after launching the kit, he said that "the country requires cheap and reliable testing for the country which can help to control the pandemic." It has been developed indigenously and is much cheaper than other kits. The HRD Minister said "our Prime Minister has always been encouraging the youth of the country to come forward and ensure a healthier India especially in the times of COVID 19 pandemic with their innovative research. The kit has received ICMR approval with the highest score and DCGI approved with a very high sensitivity and specificity."
 
The probe-free diagnostic kit has been manufactured by Delhi NCR-based Newtech Medical Devices. It will be now available for use by the authorised testing labs with this launch, will significantly bring down the cost of COVID-19 RT-PCR testing as the base price of the RT-PCR assay is Rs 399. Even after adding the RNA isolation and laboratory charges, the cost per test will be considerably cheaper compared to currently available kits in the market. IIT Delhi has given license to 10 companies to manufacture COVID-19 diagnostic kit using the technology developed by its researchers.
 
Meanwhile, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said, "IIT Delhi is thankful to the support it has received from the Indian government, HRD ministry, Health Ministry and the ICMR for the development and manufacturing of the affordable kit. Our researchers will continue to focus on COVID-19 related research and development to help the country as well as the World in the fight against Coronavirus."
 
Minister for State for HRD Sanjay Dhotre was also present on the occasion. Secretary, Higher Education, Amit Khare and other senior officials of the Ministry were present during the launch.