India crosses the milestone of 10 crores COVID-19 sample testing

New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body at the forefront of formulating COVID-19 testing strategy in India has achieved the milestone of conducting 10 crores testing on 22nd October 2020. With average testing of more than 10 lakhs per day in the last 17 days. Till now, 74000 tests per million population have been conducted.

India has conducted the last five crores sample testing in only 45 days.

As of 8th September 2020, India had tested 5 Crores COVID-19 samples, and in less than 50 days it has reached the 10 crores mark on 23^rd October 2020. This has been enabled by rapidly increasing testing infrastructure and capacity across the country. ICMR has been enhancing COVID-19 testing capability across the country by expanding and diversifying testing capacity by leveraging technology and facilitating innovation in affordable diagnostic kits.

Prof (Dr.) Balram Bhargava, Director General, ICMR said, “We have effectively responded to the evolving epidemic through focused and collaborative efforts of the Centre, State/UTs government. An exponential increase in testing has led to early identification, prompt isolation & effective treatment of Covid-19 cases along with effective contact tracing. These have eventually resulted in a sustained low fatality rate. This testing milestone is testimony to the fact that India has been successful in implementing the strategy of 5T approach “Test, Track, Trace, Treat and use of Technology” efficiently, which will enable us to contain the spread of the pandemic.’’

Ramping up of testing facility across India was at the core of increased testing per day.

Through our ardent efforts, it was ensured that a specific testing platform is made available addressing general testing (RT-PCR), High-throughput testing (COBAS), testing at remotest places and PHCs (TrueNAT, CBNAAT), in containment areas (rapid antigen testing), and for large number & migrant population testing (pooled sample testing). The total number of diagnostic laboratories has reached 1989. Of which dedicated government laboratories are 1122and private laboratories number stands at 867.