Kolkata, Nov 23: In a move that is set to revolutionize Covid-19 testing in India and make Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests affordable for the common man, SpiceHealth Monday announced that it will conduct this key test known as the most decisive and crucial for Covid-19 testing starting at Rs. 499/- only.
Also, in a huge relief for people undergoing the swab test, the report would be available within just 6 hours from the time of sample collection as compared to the average 24-48 hours – the time committed for similar test reports at present. The RT-PCR is the most commonly used and the most accurate COVID test worldwide.
A significant proportion of the tests will be conducted in collaboration with agencies of the Government of India and State governments.
SpiceHealth’s first mobile testing laboratory at ICMR, AIIMS, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, in the presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Prof. Balram Bhargava, Secretary DHR & DG, ICMR, Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet and Avani Singh, CEO, SpiceHealth.
SpiceHealth, a health care company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet, and led by Avani Singh, and GeneStore will jointly establish mobile molecular diagnostic testing facilities across the country as a Make-In-India initiative. The testing kits and laboratory facilities have been certified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the mobile laboratories have been duly accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
Avani Singh, CEO, SpiceHealth said, “Today is a momentous day for all of us at SpiceHealth as we take this crucial step towards ensuring affordable Covid-19 testing to as many Indians as possible. Despite being the world’s second most affected country by Covid-19, with over 9 million reported cases so far, India has found it challenging to scale up RT-PCR testing for the virus. We are proud to be able to contribute to our country’s efforts to fight this global pandemic.”
“The RT-PCR test, known for its diagnostic accuracy, is the most commonly used COVID test worldwide. By offering this test at a fraction of the current price, ensuring a much faster turnaround time of just six hours, and deploying mobile laboratories which are easily transportable to the remotest areas, we hope to significantly scale up testing across the country.”
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “Just as ‘affordable flying’ has been the constant endeavor of SpiceJet, facilitating affordable, quick and easily available medical solutions is the constant endeavor of SpiceHealth. Taking a Covid-19 test should be as easy as visiting a neighborhood store, while ensuring utmost safety, and that is exactly what we are aiming to build at SpiceHealth. Facilitating affordable and easily accessible Covid testing facilities will go a long way in restoring normalcy in the country and building a stronger India.”
SpiceHealth has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICMR for setting up testing facilities (laboratories) and collection centers across the nation. To begin, the first testing facility has been set up in Delhi. Each testing laboratory will have the capacity to process 3,000 test reports-a-day to start with.
Many more of such testing facilities will come up in different parts of the National Capital as well as the rest of the country in the coming days.
SpiceHealth set to revolutionize Covid-19 testing in India
