Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has refuted any claim of procedural lapses in the procurement of Rapid Antibody Test kits from China. The Rapid Antibody Test kits are used for initial testing of COVID-19 patients.
In a statement, ICMR has clarified that prescribed procedures meant for such procurements was duly followed and no advance amount has been paid to any of the parties involved. Ruling out any chances of loss of funds, it said that even amidst the urgent requirement of testing kits, ICMR ensured that every rule was followed and the evaluation committee awarded the contract to the lowest bidder.
ICMR has also stated that in order to avoid any intermediary it also made attempts for self-procurement of the Rapid Antibody Testing Kits from the manufacturer. Since the demand for advance payment without any guarantee and no commitment on the timeline was made by the foreign supplier, the contract had to be routed through their exclusive dealer in the country.
After receipt of the supplies, ICMR has conducted quality checks again on these kits in field conditions. It said that based on scientific assessment the testing kits in question were found to be underperforming and the order has already been cancelled.
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