2020-04-08
For the number of tests done per million population, India ranks very low. According to the latest data India has reported around 5000 cases and number of tests done are around 1,40,000.
If we compare the statistics of other countries, we have tested very less. South Korea, which effectively contained the pandemic with widespread testing from the beginning did 4.61 lakh tests at a rate of 8,996 per million population.
ICMR says the number of tests done in the country so far is below its potential testing capacity. It now in the process of implementing random tests and aggressive surveillance in coronavirus hotspots in the country.
There are many factors that are important in widening testing capacity of India. Availability of testing kits, lab related infrastructure and availlability of human resources. There are reports which say that when India has testing kits available, it needs to widen the scope on other fronts to make maximum tests.
While the number of tests has gone up since the criteria were relaxed, concerns still remain that India is not testing enough. Media statements given by ICMR mentions that they it is roping in more and more private labs.
The ICMR officials said that even if there are testing kits available, there are not enough labs to undertake testing. Also, maximum samples should be collected to undertake maximum testings.
The Indian Council for Medical Research is working to scale-up the testing capacity to 1 lakh a day in the upcoming months as part of its preparedness for a worst case scenario, according to a statement.
The medical research body has also allowed the use of rapid antibody tests as new coronavirus hotspots emerge in the country. It has approved more than 200 labs—public and private—for Covid-19 testing through RT-PCR machines—genetically detecting the pathogen. It is in the process of identifying other government and private labs, research institutes and medical colleges that have the capability to undertake virus testing.