Coronavirus Nepal Update: "Nepal is bringing test kits from China, the test rate will be increased".

The government has expressed confidence that the test of coronavirus infection could be started in Nepalgunj and Pokhara in the coming weeks.

The Department of Health said that it could possibly start from Saturday in Dharan outside the capital.

According to the director general of the department, Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, more than 3,000 kits are being brought from China.

He said, "We immediately start sending the necessary goods to establish a test center in Nepalgunj and Pokhara, after the kits comes from China. We are preparing to start the test within a week."

According to Tribhuvan International Airport, the aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation flew to Gonzhou, China at 9.30am on Saturday. The plane is expected to return on Saturday night.

The aircraft is expected to return from China with test kits as well as protective clothing (PPE) worn by health workers.


Testing in all provinces
Till now only testing facilities are available in the capital Kathmandu.

The plane was flown to China from Nepal on Saturday afternoon and will be returned with kit and medical personnel's protective clothing (PPE).

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Authorities have said that it would be easier for China to come up with a test kit to increase the rate of infection testing and expand the facility outside the capital.

The lockdown period is likely to be extended as well as the delay in getting samples from outside the capital is complicated and complicated, he said, adding that the expansion of the test center was emphasized.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Vikas Devkota said, "If the kit comes from China, it will expand the testing services in all provinces."

Currently PCR equipment is available for testing tuberculosis in various places of Nepal. Coronavirus tests have been conducted with its help so far and have 'looked very reliable'.

Test rates will also be increased
Officials said only the chemicals and kits needed for the new PCR or test will be sent outside the capital as needed.

According to health officials who have already brought about 3-5 thousand kits, more than 800 samples have been tested so far from all three kits.

 Fifth person in Nepal confirmed coronavirus infection

While there has been strong emphasis on the need for comprehensive testing for outbreak control, some doctors have criticized the fact that the infection may have been less so due to very few tests in Nepal.

Authorities say the coronavirus infection is now compatible with high-risk kits and that only those at high risk are being tested.


The test rate has also been said to increase as more kits come from China.

Info source: BBC News Nepali