Pokhriyal Launches COVID-19 Diagnostic-Kit-Corosure

Pokhriyal Launches COVID-19 Diagnostic-Kit-Corosure

New Delhi: Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Wednesday e-launched the world’s most affordable RT-PCR based COVID-19 diagnostic kit developed by IIT Delhi and approved by the ICMR and DCGI. MoS for HRD Sanjay Dhotre, Secretary, Higher Education, Amit Khare and senior officials of the Ministry were present during the launch.

Speaking on the occasion, Pokhriyal said that Corosure, COVID-19 Diagnostic Kit developed by Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is a step towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. He said that the country requires cheap and reliable testing for the country which can help to control the pandemic. The Corosure Kit has been developed indigenously and is much cheaper than other kits. The kit has received ICMR approval with the highest score and DCGI approved with a very high sensitivity and specificity.

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.

Pokhriyal Launches COVID-19 Diagnostic-Kit-Corosure

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 said 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 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.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhotre said that amid the coronavirus crisis, when widespread testing is most needed, this very low-cost diagnostic kit is a great feat that the IIT Delhi has achieved in such a short period. He further said that IIT Delhi’s 40-year old Centre for Rural Development and Technology has been playing a crucial role in application of new technology in the uplift of rural life so that benefit of technology could reach the last man. He added that country’s youth have a lot of passion and potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. They only need to be provided right climate, resources and motivation.

Pokhriyal Launches COVID-19 Diagnostic-Kit-Corosure

Speaking on the occasion, Khare informed that IIT Delhi became the first academic institution to obtain the ICMR’s approval for a real-time PCR-based diagnostic assay. It was also the first probe-free as say for COVID-19 approved by the ICMR. He added that the assay was validated at the government’s medical research body with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%.Shri Khare appreciated the efforts of IIT Delhi towards the betterment of society and wished them success in their endeavors.

Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi said that IIT Delhi is thankful to 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,” he said.