China on Tuesday expressed concern over a recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) statement asking the states and union territories to stop using the rapid antibody COVID-19 testing kits procured from China due to "wide variation" in their performance. “The quality of medical products exported from China is prioritised. It is unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as ‘faulty’ and look at issues with pre-emptive prejudice," Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong said in a statement.
India had procured around five lakh rapid antibody test kits from the two Chinese firms, Guongzhou Wondfo Biotech and Livzon Diagnostics, and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of the coronavirus infection. The ICMR's directive to states and UTs to not use the kits came in the midst of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's allegations that some people were indulging in profiteering from the immeasurable suffering of millions. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and take immediate strict action against the wrong-doers.
The embassy's statement went: "The COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits produced by these two Chinese companies have been exported to and well recognised in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. We are deeply concerned with the evaluation results and the decision made by ICMR.”
In a communication to chief secretaries of all states and union territories, the ICMR asked them to stop using the kits saying it found "wide variation" in effectiveness of the equipment supplied by the two Chinese firms despite promise of good performance. It asked the states and UTs to return the kits so that they can be sent back to the suppliers.
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"The ICMR has not made any payment in respect of these supplies. Because of the due process followed [not going for procurement with 100 per cent advance amount], government of India does not stand to lose a single rupee," the health ministry said.
-Inputs from PTI