Return Rapid Antibody Kits From Two Chinese Firms: ICMR to States

Return Rapid Antibody Kits From Two Chinese Firms: ICMR to States

The country's apex health research body Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday, 27 April asked states to stop using the COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits procured from two Chinese companies, ‘Wondfo Biotech’ and ‘Guangzhou Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics’, and to return them to be sent back to the suppliers.

The health ministry also released a fact sheet on the procurement of rapid antibody test kits, stressing that ICMR has not made any payment whatsoever in respect of these supplies. The concerns came amidst reports of faulty results from these imported test kits, after which the ICMR had urged the states to not use them for two days until it carried its evaluation.