‘Dh25 virus test kit could be made available in UAE soon’

dubai — India’s Tata Group is set to roll out its low-cost Covid-19 test within a month. The test kit is currently awaiting regulatory approvals in different markets, including the UAE, and will be ready for launch once approved, according to the Indian mission in Dubai.

The inexpensive paper-based test could generate results in 45 minutes, explained Girish Krishnamurthy, chief executive of Tata Medical and Diagnostics, at the UAE-India Health Forum earlier this week.

Krishnamurthy said the test does not require expensive machines and the turnaround time is very quick. Scientists estimate that the kit — called Feluda — would give results in under an hour and cost Dh25, according to a report.

“This can become a new gold standard in Covid-19 testing. It is simple, reliable, and highly scalable. It operates on simple, lowcost thermocyclers and, in 45 minutes, it can provide a tamper-free test result,” Krishnamurthy said.

The Indian Mission in Dubai has said the test is awaiting regulatory approvals in different markets, including the UAE.

“This is subject to regulatory and other approvals in different countries. Given the current collaborations, we are hoping to have this product in the UAE — very soon,” said Neeraj Agarwal, consul for Press, information and culture at the Indian Consulate.

This is subject to regulatory and other approvals in different countries. Given the current collaborations, we are hoping to have this product in the UAE — very soon.” Neeraj Agarwal, consul for Press, information and culture, Indian Consulate