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New Delhi: The Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has transferred the knowhow of an indigenous saline gargle RT-PCR technique to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for commercialising it, according to a statement published on September 12.
The saline gargle RT-PCR technology is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable, according to the statement.
The test also provides instant results and is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, given minimal infrastructure requirements, it said.
NEERI is an institute under the Centre-funded Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The transfer of knowhow “on a non-exclusive basis” is expected to “enable the innovation to be commercialised and licensed to all capable parties, including private, government and various rural development schemes and departments,” the statement added.
The licensees are expected to set up manufacturing facilities for commercial production in the form of easily usable compact kits.
In light of the prevailing COVID-19 situation, and a probable third wave in the offing, NEERI fast-tracked the transfer process – in the presence of Union minister Nitin Gadkari – to potential licensees for wider dissemination.
The test “needs implementation across the nation, especially in resource-poor regions like rural and tribal areas. This would result in faster and more citizen-friendly testing and will strengthen our fight against the pandemic,” Gadkari said.