Covid-19 test with Gonoshasthaya kit begins May 26

Gonoshasthaya Kendra will begin Covid-19 testing with its kit - G-Rapid Dot Blot - from May 26 at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital and Gonoshasthaya Kendra in Savar.

Confirming the matter to media on Sunday, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said, "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) permitted us for clinical trial. Tests will be performed for the emergency patients only."

There will be no problem to perform the test, though it is yet to get government approval, he added.

Whether the kit needs any further trial, Dr Zafrullah said, "The government gave permission to remdesivir without any trial. BSMMU authorities will inform us about the result of our kit's effectiveness test after Eid. That's we have fixed May 26 for starting the test."

"Many patients are not being able to take proper treatment due to lack of Covid-19 test certificate. Much more tests should be conducted in the country. For this reason, Gonoshasthaya will start the Covid-19 test on urgent basis," the liberation war veteran added.

He further said, "The Antigen and Antibody tests will begin in Dhaka and Savar on the same day. Any patient can come to our hospitals and go through the test." 

On April 30, the drug directorate gave approval to determine the effectiveness of the G-Rapid Dot Blot kit. Later, BSMMU started conducting the performance trial of the kit.