Rapid test kits: Domestic firms hit roadblocks

Industry insiders cite several roadblocks they are facing, ranging from shortage of manpower to difficulty in logistics, which prevent them from meeting the demand for testing kits. Hence, despite being a leader in healthcare sector, the State is wholly dependent on foreign firms when it comes to testing kits and even other equipment.

“The raw materials for manufacturing the rapid testing kits need to be imported from foreign countries. With the current state of lockdown, transportation is difficult and unsafe to undertake. The workforce also needs to be available for a dedicated period of time. The availability of adequate workforce and approval for it seem to be a challenge,” said a spokesperson from a biotech firm in Tamil Nadu.

“We are supplying antibody testing kits through companies from USA, based on the order placed by the healthcare providers in the State. We have not placed orders with any of the local manufacturers because the licensing procedure in the State is complex and quality check also needs to be appropriate,” said a spokesperson from Delvin Enterprises in Chennai.

Another firm, Neuberg Diagnostics, is also undertaking orders for the rapid testing kits in India. But like in the case of other firms, the kits are being procured from abroad.

Trivitron, a medical device company providing equipment, is working on the development of the kit for the last one month. The company claims to have achieved substantial success in its research and development.

“The rapid test kit we are developing would be in compliance with global regulatory standards. We are in the final stage of R&D for the kits and we hope to hit the market soon. Not only testing kits, we are also manufacturing ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitisers. Local manufacturing of the testing kits would offer a big boost and quite a few healthcare players in Tamil Nadu have come forward to manufacture the much sought-after COVID-19 rapid test kits and other medical equipment,” said a spokesperson from Trivitron.