In this crucial hour when deadly swine flu has claimed over 1800 lives and still counting, Indian manufactured H1N1 virus test kits have no takers. Despite being approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for sale in the country, majority of doctors are still preferring imported kits.
This development has been very surprising as even state run health organisations and hospitals like AIIMS and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are not buying these kits.
According to the recent figures released by the Health Ministry, 1,809 persons have died so far, while, number of people affected across several states has risen to 30,766.
The price of these domestically manufactured kits are much cheaper than the foreign-made kits. At present, each kit costs around Rs 2000 for government aided hospitals, while private hospitals charge between Rs 4500 and Rs 9000. However, Indian kits are being priced at just Rs 400 to 900.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, erratic weather conditions and unseasonal rains this season have resulted in fluctuation in the temperatures, aggravating the spread of these deadly virus. However, as we proceed further in the month, temperatures are expected to rise and doctors are now hopeful of decline in number of cases.
These test kits are manufactured by the Hyderabad-based RAS Lifesciences and Molbio Diagnostics. While, Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has developed technology for these kits.
