Through traditional and real-time PCR methods, these testing kits, which are robust as well as sensitive to the targeted gene, will be able to detect the virus from the early phases of reaction till the final phase. This breakthrough has come at a much-needed time when the spread of the deadly virus across the country has exacerbated exponentially over the past few weeks. However, the most essential aspect is the fact that these kits cost one-fourth of the price of the current kits being used. The significantly low cost of these kits will help in increasing the testing capacity of the country, a measure that the WHO has constantly asserted on, and give us a far better picture of the overall situation in the country, while reducing the import bill.
The government now needs to create a network for ensuring the continuous production of these kits, and distribute them to hospitals across the country. With hospitals at maximum capacity and their resources exhausting rapidly, this is the perfect time for the government to step up and introduce road-side testing centers that specifically cater to the poor who neither have the means nor the resources to fight the pandemic.
Experts have already warned of the grave consequences that could unfold in Pakistan if measures are not taken. Therefore, it is imperative that a collective system is established before the situation spirals out of control. One can only hope that these kits are used effectively rather than as another means of profit. This might be our last saving grace.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2020.
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