Will return all rapid test kits as per ICMR advice: Vijaya Baskar

Replying to the Opposition leader MK Stalin, who had cried foul over the purchase of the controversial rapid test kits, the Minister said that the state purchased the kits as per the guidelines of ICMR. The ICMR in its recent order certified the kit manufacturer Wondfo based in China for procuring test kits. Along with Wondfo, seven other companies were also listed by ICMR. ICMR also fixed Rs 600 as the baseline price for procuring these kits from the Chinese manufacturer.

TNMSC purchased the kits through one Shan BioTech certified dealer of Wondfo. Stalin’s statement that Shan Bio-Tech is not recognised by ICMR shows the poor understanding of the DMK leader. Shan Bio-Tech is the supplier for Wondfo. No, where in the world the product will have the names of the supplier, dealers and its importers.

The state as per the ICMR advisory is returning the kit, and there is no financial loss for the state. The DMK leader has responded by going through half-baked media reports, Vijaya Baskar said. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Kerala had purchased rapid test kits for Rs 730 and Rs 699. The ICMR in its second revised rate card fixed the baseline price of rapid test kit at Rs 795. But TN had purchased the kits for just Rs 600. We are returning the kits so where is the financial loss and irregularities in this, wondered the Health Minister.

Vijaya Baskar in his detailed statement also noted that the opposition parties in the neighbouring states did not politicise the purchase issue like DMK. But the DMK wants to do cheap politics, the Minister said adding that the COVID-19 recovery rate in the state was 56.8 per cent, the best in the country with a mortality rate of just 1.2 per cent, the statement added.