KATHMANDU: The Portable PCR machines brought from China to test the Covid-19 have been useless after it failed to function effectively.
The government of Nepal has bought five portable PCR machine costing Rs 2.1 million each worth Rs 10 million.
These machines have been distributed to different laboratories in Janakpur, Pokhara, Butwal, Surkhet, and Dhangadi.
The machines hardly performed 12 tests day, therefore, some of the laboratories have stopped using it.
Similarly, it tests only one test at a time and takes a minimum of 1.5 hrs. for the report outcome.
According to Ram Binaya Shah, Director at the Janakpur Provincial Laboratory, the machines performed only 300 tests. “Since sample testing has surged in recent days, we need an alternative PCR machine to conduct the test effectively,” he said.
However, the PCR test in Janakpur has been halted after the reports came faulty.
Similarly, some other laboratories have also stopped using the machines brought from China.
Laboratories have suggested the government to bring an RT PCR machine instead of a Portable PCR machine.
Comment