The Ministry of Health initiated acquisition processes.
In the next few days, the arrival of 200,000 kits of two types of tests is expected to diagnose COVID-19. The quick one requires a blood sample and a second confirmatory test if negative. The other, with 80% reliability, is performed with a little nasal or pharyngeal discharge. This was announced by the Minister of Health, Juan Carlos Zevallos.
Last week, the Ministry of Health began contracting processes to deal with the health emergency, but these days several changes were made. The first process is to acquire supplies such as gloves for medical units and the second is to acquire detection tests.
Until now, in Ecuador the diagnosis is maintained with those of the PCR type, also known as polymerase chain reaction. The result can be in 48 to 72 hours.
Deputy Minister Ernesto Carrasco acknowledged that there is a delay in the delivery of results because 300 to 400 samples are processed daily. The problem is greater in areas where diagnoses are concentrated, such as Guayas, where long lines were registered to carry out the test in private laboratories, which have authorization. In this province, 2,924 samples have been taken in the public system, of which more than 1,000 results are expected.
Something similar happens in Pichincha, where more than 800 samples have been taken. And 356 are still waiting for a response, also in public.
Given this reality, the Mayor of Quito is also in the process of acquiring real-time PCR tests, which would result in 30 minutes, as well as supplies and machines.
In a radio interview, Mayor Jorge Yunda mentioned that he plans to acquire 100,000 exams for metropolitan police officers and personnel who are in the markets.
Source: El Comercio, social networks
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