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
Union Human Resource Development Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ e-launched RT-PCR based COVID-19 diagnostic kit developed by IIT Delhi and approved by the ICMR and DCGI in New Delhi. MoS for HRD. Sanjay Dhotre was also present on the occasion. Secretary, Higher Education, Amit Khare and senior officials of the Ministry were present during the launch.
Speaking on the occasion, Pokhriyal said, “The Corosure Kit has been developed indigenously and is much cheaper than other kits. The minister appreciated Prof Vivekanandan Perumal and his research team of IIT Delhi for developing of COVID 19 diagnostic kit. The team includes Prashant Pradhan (PhD Scholar), Ashutosh Pandey (PhD Scholar), Praveen Tripathi (PhD Scholar), Dr Akhilesh Mishra, Dr Parul Gupta, Dr Sonam Dhamija, Prof Manoj B. Menon, Prof Bishwajit Kundu and Prof. James Gomes.
He said that this affordable detection kit will help the country amid the ongoing crisis. Pokhriyal informed that Corosure, the probe-free diagnostic kit has been manufactured by Delhi NCR-based Newtech Medical Devices. The Minister appreciated that a leading educational institution under MHRD and a private company have joined hands during this epidemic in the interest of the nation.
Pokhriyal informed that the diagnostic kit developed by IIT Delhi, which 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. 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. The minister further informed that IIT Delhi has given license to 10 companies to manufacture COVID-19 diagnostic kit using the technology developed by its researchers.
Prof V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said that IIT Delhi is thankful for 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.”