Uttar Pradesh: TrueNat machines to test COVID-19 in 75 districts

The Uttar Pradesh Government is to make the TrueNat Machines available in all 75 districts to test COVID-19. The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) had approved the machines to conduct COVID-19 tests earlier.

Highlights

The UP Government is to make the machines available in all of its districts for speedy testing of COVID-19 cases. The state has set a target of 15,000 tests per day. The target is to be achieved by the middle of June, 2020. The aim is to increase the target to 20,000 by June end.

The TrueNat machines will provide results in an hour or two. Hence, the machines will help in faster diagnosis.

Other measures

Along with increasing COVID-19 testing, the Uttar Pradesh Government will also ensure 10 lakh jobs in six months. During this phase of employment generation, the migrant workers are to be provided greater importance.

The State Government is also finding ways to strengthen emergency services in the hospitals.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has directed the marketing committee to develop mandis to export hubs. This will help the perishable goods to be exported without time delays.

TrueNat Machines

The TrueNat machines can run up to 32 to 48 samples. Also, they are capable of running samples for multiple diseases such as HIV, TB, COVID-19, etc.

India has around 800 TrueNat machines. A four-way machine can run up to 32 to 48 samples of multiple diseases. A two-way machine can run up to 16-24 samples. The cost of a TrueNat machine is between Rs 1000 and Rs 1500.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020