More on Covid-19

NEW DELHI: Amid concerns raised here about the quality of the rapid test kits purchased from China, the Chinese embassy here said it will keep "close communication" with Indian agencies and provide them necessary assistance on the issue. Government sources here said they will wait to hear from ICMR on whether or not the kits were faulty before they take any decision to pursue the matter with Beijing . The government is treading cautiously on the issue as it remains in the process of acquiring vital medical equipment from China in its fight against Covid-19.The ICMR "clarified" to top government officials Tuesday that these kits can show positive reports only after 7 days (time taken by a body to produce detectable antibodies). Top government sources also said ICMR was directly involved in the purchase of the kits.As WHO says, antibody tests have limited utility for clinical diagnosis because they cannot quickly diagnose acute infection to inform actions needed to determine the treatment required. The agency, however, encourages work to establish their usefulness in disease surveillance and epidemiologic research."Noticed reports concerning rapid testing kits. #China attaches great importance to the quality of exported medical products. Will keep close communication with #Indian concerned agency and provide necessary assistance," tweeted the Chinese embassy spokesperson.Some of these test kits, which can apparently help confirm the reach of the virus, have run into problem even in the US though. According to a report in New York Times , US authorities, after having ordered many of those kits from China, have alerted that some of the exporting companies might be making false claims about their products.Official sources here said there was no question of sourcing rapid test kits or other equipment from companies which are not certified exporters. The ICMR demands were taken up by the foreign ministry through its mission in Beijing after which the Chinese government recommended "qualified" companies.The Chinese embassy had also earlier said in a statement that it wanted foreign buyers to choose products certified by Chinese regulatory authorities and with "production qualifications" when importing relevant products. This guideline has been followed by the Indian mission. India is expecting around 20 flights from China with medical supplies this week. Apart from rapid antibody tests, the government has also procured RT-PCR test kits, thermometers and PPEs from China.