Harsh Vardhan says govt intends to set up coronavirus testing facility for Indians in Iran

India intends to set up a laboratory in Iran so that Indians re can be tested for a possible exposure to vel coronavirus before being brought back, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Wednesday. Iranian government has t yet given permission for it.

An estimated 1,200 Indians, mostly students and pilgrims, are in Iran currently.

"If Iranian government lends its support, a testing facility could be set up re as well, so that Indians re can be tested before y can be brought back," Vardhan said.

One scientist from National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has been sent to Iran while three more from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will leave at 4 pm on Wednesday to check feasibility of setting up a laboratory re for conducting coronavirus test.

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As part of country's preparedness in containing spre of disease, minister said all foreign nationals henceforth will be screened for COVID-19 at 21 designated airports and t just 12 countries listed earlier.

A total of 28 COVID-19 cases were detected in India so far. Among m, one person was from Delhi, six of his relatives in Agra, 16 Italians and ir Indian driver, one in Telangana and three earlier cases in Kerala, Vardhan said.

On or hand, Iran has so far reported over 2,000 coronavirus cases and 77 deaths. 

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