JANAKPUR: The Province-2 COVID-19 Crisis Management Directive Committee has decided to purchase four additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines for expanding the coverage of tests for coronavirus.
A meeting of the committee chaired by Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut took a decision to this effect on Monday. Chief Minister Raut is the coordinator of the committee. One PCR machine each would be set up at the laboratory at Janakpur, Birgunj and Rajbiraj and Gaur Hospital.
There is already a PCR machine in operation at the laboratory at the former three places while a new PCR lab is to be set up at the Gaur Hospital in Rautaht.
The committee has also decided to manage the required human resources for expanding the tests for coronavirus and its treatment.
Moreover, the committee has decided to purchase additional 50 thousand viral transport media (VTM) kits for speeding up tests for coronavirus in the province.
The committee has instructed the Ministry of Social Development for purchase of the kits as well as the reagent used in carrying out tests, the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers said.
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