Is India’s Covid Testing Price Interval and Data Delay?
Amidst the outbreaks of seasonal viral, India is seeing an increase in Kovid -19 infections crossing 7,000 cases. But India’s covid test reflects the fragmented nature of the clinical region, which proves to be irregular.
In short
- India reported more than 7,000 new Kovid -19 infections amid seasonal viral surge
- RT-PCR tests are mostly limited to hospitals with serious symptoms
- RT-PCR test affects wide inequality access to pricing pricing
India is looking at an optic view in Kovid -19 infections, reaching more than 7,000 cases. But unlike the earlier waves, there seems to be a gap in diagnosis and testing.
Given the current weather of many individuals showing large-scale viral infections and symptoms, RT-PCR tests are neither widely determined nor being taken voluntarily.
“Most Covid-19 tests we are seeing today is happening within hospitals, where viral panel is mandatory before or in cases of serious symptoms. Neither doctors nor patients are now contacting with the same urgency,” Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a Delhi-based Pulmonologist and an allergy specialist said.
RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), which remains the standard of gold to detect Kovid-19, works by identifying the genetic material of the virus in nose or throat samples.
However, Dr. Kavatra said, “Only one doctor can prescribe only one RT-PCR test, and until the symptoms are severe or are hospitalized, the test is required, the test is often left.”
Even when the test is sought, access and strength are serious obstacles.
In the private sector, RT-PCR test prices vary greatly depending on the diagnostic lab. Dr. Path Labs charges above Rs 5,000 for a domestic collection, while Max Healthcare offers the same for Rs 500. Dr. In the Dangs Lab, a house trip costs Rs 700. Similar price limitations are also seen in neighboring clinics.
This broad pricing inequality reflects the fragmented nature of the clinical region, which proves to be irregular.
But despite this inconsistent pricing model, the test rates decrease, together with the closure of many free government testing centers.
A recent visit to Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi revealed that the Kovid testing window was closed. Many other government-run features have completely closed or completely closed the RT-PCR test, limiting testing options to the general public.
Increasing cases highlight the need for regular testing to monitor its spread.
Gastroenterologist and liver expert in Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Sudeep Khanna said, “The patients who died not only Kovid -19, but also had health status. It is not always a virus, but comrades that tip the scale,” Dr. Sudeep Khanna said, gastroenterologist and liver specialist Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
Delay in virus genomic data
National level monitoring is also facing delay.
The Indian Sars-Cov-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), the official body monitoring the Covid-19 variants in India has been slow in releasing the updated epidemic data.
The limited information for new variants like LF.1, NB.1.8.1, and Xfg has been shared so far, making it difficult to gauge the developed nature of the virus.
Public health experts emphasize active monitoring, inexpensive and accessible testing and need for better data transparency.
Vaccine reserves
Government sources told India Today that storage is sufficient covid-19 vaccines and ready to use. Sources said, “We are fully prepared for any situation. We have enough reserves to meet the needs of our citizens. Also, if necessary, we can also supply vaccines to other countries,” the sources said.
About 1 billion people in India have taken at least one dose of Kovishld or Kovaxin.
Under a license from Astrajeneka, Covizielded and distributed by Serum Institute in India stopped to be produced in December 2021 as fewer people were taking it.
Similarly, Kovaxin, India’s first domestic-developed Kovid-19 vaccine, built by India Biotech with ICMR-NIV, also stopped production in early 2022.
Despite the stop in manufacturing, officials say the availability of vaccine is not a matter of concern.
Doctors believe that the current increase in cases may be caused by seasonal changes in respiratory infections, although global health experts say that safety can be discontinued from previous infections and vaccines, causing new spikes in some areas.
While general information about Covid-19 is available, the timely response to the infection contains obstructions.
