May 4 : The government is bringing the medical supplies required for COVID-19 tests. These kits are being brought from Germany through the Nepali Army. Joint spokesman at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, said the materials necessary for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits are being brought after running out of these kits that were acquired before.
The Ministry had brought 70 thousand RDT kits before this by calling for bids. It does not have these kits in stock at present as it has sent these to all the States and local levels. “We have send all kits brought before to all places for testing. We are bringing the kits soon through the public procurement process so as to prevent the shortage of kits for COVID-19 tests,” he said. According to him, tests are being carried out as per the PCR in accordance with the capacity.
He added that some PCR kits have been reserved to be used in very urgent situations as these are also in limited number. Joint spokesman Adhikari said the government will carry out tests of all the people in quarantine. There are 21 thousand 958 people in quarantine so far. So far, tests have been carried out on 61 thousand 102 people using the PCR and RDT method. Thirteen thousand four hundred fourteen people have undergone the PCR test while 49 thousand 668 people have had RDT. T
he total number of coronavirus infected persons has reached 75 in the country so far. Fifteen people in Nepalgunj and one person in Birgunj had tested positive on Sunday (April 3).
