China issues stung first response as ICMR cancels 15 lakh inaccurate Covid test kits order

Issuing a detailed response over faulty anti-body testing kits, China has rejected claims by  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong said in a statement issued early on Tuesday that  quality of medical products exported from China is 'prioritized', calling action taken as 'unfair and irresponsible'. China also claimed that statement me by ICMR is an example of 'prejudice'.

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“ quality of medical products exported from China is prioritized. It is unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as ‘faulty’ and look at issues with pre-emptive prejudice,” Rong said. spokesperson also said both Wondfo and Livzon h clarified that ir testing kits h been certified by China’s National Medical Products ministration (NMPA), meet quality standards China and importing countries, and h also been validated and approved by ICMR through National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

Earlier on April 24, Rong h taken to Twitter and said that Chinese companies Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co. Ltd. & Zhuhai Livzon Diagstics Inc. me clarifications on quality of ir exported testing kits to India.

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ICMR takes action 

Acting on faulty anti-body testing kits, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), on Monday cancelled order of 15 lakh rapid anti-body test kits from China. two firms - Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagstics which were given order - have supplied kits which have produced inaccurate results, body cited. Earlier in day, ICMR h issued an visory to states across country halting use of rapid antibody tests procured from two Chinese manufacturers.

RE | ICMR vises states to stop us of COVID rapid testing kits from 2 Chinese manufacturers

ICMR cancels 15 lakh test kits order

ICMR has also vised states to return kits to supplier as kits have failed inspite of showing 'early promise of good performance for surveillance purposes'  According to an ICMR official, Guanzhou Wondfo Biotech provided about 5 lakh rapid antibody test kits while Zhuhai Livzon provided 2 lakh kits to four suppliers across country. Several states including Rajasthan, Tamil Nu and West Bengal h complained of 'faulty' testing kits causing a delay inaccurate results. 

RE | ICMR cancels all 15 lakh anti-body test kits ordered from China after inaccurate results

Here is China's full statement:

Question: On April 27th, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) anunced that since some States have raised issues regarding performance of rapid antibody test kits procured from Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagstics, ICMR has evaluated kits in field conditions, and results have shown wide variation in ir sensitivity despite early promise of good performance. In view of this, States are vised to stop using se kits procured from above mentioned companies and return m to be sent back to suppliers. What’s your comment on this?

Answer: We are deeply concerned with evaluation results and decision me by Indian Council of Medical Research. China attaches great importance to quality of exported medical products. Recently, Chinese Embassy in India has maintained close contact with ICMR and two Chinese companies to find out real situation.

We have ticed that Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagstics alrey issued statements on this issue. y both stressed that ir COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits h obtained certification from National Medical Products ministration of China (NMPA), meet quality standards of China and exported countries, and have also been validated and approved by ICMR through National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and considered as satisfactory products. COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits produced by se two Chinese companies have been exported to and well recognized in many countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

We have also learned that re are strict requirements for stor, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is t carried out by professionals in accordance with product specifications will le to testing accuracy variations. ICMR also me it clear that rapid antibody test kits should only be used for surveillance purposes inste of replacing RT-PCR test to diagse and confirm cases, and States are vised to strictly abide by methods and purpose of us according to ICMR’s clear instructions.

Currently, many countries have been purchasing medical products through commercial channels from Chinese market. While satisfying domestic demands, we support export by companies with qualifications and credibility, and provide convenience in production, transport and customs clearance to facilitate foreign procurement and orderly exporting to countries including India. Chinese relevant manufacturers have been working around clock to try ir best to provide medical supplies to help or countries fight epidemic and protect people's lives and health.

China t only sincerely supports India in its fight against Covid-19, but also takes concrete actions to help. quality of medical products exported from China is prioritized. It is unfair and irresponsible for certain individuals to label Chinese products as "faulty" and look at issues with preemptive prejudice. Regarding current issue occurred, we hope Indian side could respect China’s goodwill and sincerity, strengn communication timely with relevant Chinese companies based on facts, and resolve it reasonably and properly.

Viruses are common enemy of mankind. Only by working toger, can we win this battle against epidemic. Since outbreak of epidemic, China and India have maintained close communication and cooperation on epidemic prevention and control. Following India’s epidemic situation, China has been feeling same, shared its experiences in epidemic prevention, control and treatment, and donated medical materials to India. We will continue to support India’s efforts in fighting Covid-19, strengn medical and health cooperation, and jointly work with India to overcome difficulties at an early date, so as to safeguard safety and health of our peoples as well as global and regional public health security.