Govt seeking to process over 1000 COVID-19 tests per day by October

…samples will be sent to the US for processing

In fixing shortages which were inherited in the health sector, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has managed to foster partnerships with other entities, especially as it relates to COVID-19 testing and treatment.

During consideration of the Budget Estimates on Friday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony disclosed that samples would be sent to the United States of America as part of an arrangement to expand the country’s testing capability. As such, by early October, they are aiming to process 1000 samples per day.
He was at the time responding to questions from Opposition Member of Parliament, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley on policies and plans to address COVID-19 locally.
While external agencies are assisting with testing, the National Public Health Reference Laboratory has significantly increased its capacity. It was recently announced that Government was also in talks with the Brazilian Government to send samples from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to the neighbouring country for efficient processing.
“We have now since worked out an arrangement with the United States, so that we can send samples to the United States. We are in the process of working out an arrangement, so that our samples from Region Nine can go across to Brazil…In terms of testing in the public health sector, we are going to, by early October, be able to process more than 1000 samples per day and that’s in the public sector,” the Minister informed.
After Government had discussions with private stakeholders, one company – Eureka Laboratory – invested in equipment to process another 1000 samples per day. Meanwhile, the St Joseph Mercy Hospital is also in the process of purchasing a PCR machine to offer testing.
“Guyana’s testing capacity would increase dramatically in the next couple of weeks, so testing capacity will no longer be a problem. In addition to that, we have already in the country from other programmes, the GeneXpert machine. This GeneXpert machine can be repurposed for COVID-19 testing,” he indicated.
Dr Anthony reminded that when the new Administration assumed office, there was inadequate testing across the sector. However, 50,000 PCR tests were brought into the country – through contributions from the Pan American Health Organisation and the Barbadian Government over the past weeks.
“We all know that we had challenges with testing ,because we did not have enough test kits in the country. We had less than 1000-1500 kits before August. So, we have rectified that,” Dr Anthony said.
Authorities had also managed to clear the test backlog through collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).  Through this initiative, the country was able to reduce the backlog of more than 1000 samples.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has sourced an extractor, which can process the samples at a faster rate. Through a donation from the Chinese Government, a second extractor is also on its way.
“Right now, it takes the National Public Health Reference Lab about eight hours to process those samples. With this extractor that we have bought and awaiting delivery, it would require probably two hours for us to do 96 samples. We had that extractor that we’re expecting shortly and we are expecting a donation from the Chinese Government, which should come in at the end of September and you’ll get another extractor,” he stated.
With increased testing, a significant number of new cases was discovered. However, Guyana’s recovery rate has reached almost 70 per cent. The country has recorded in excess of 2500 cases, with more than 1000 currently active.
Within the past six weeks, engagements were facilitated between several stakeholders, including the Russian Government, so as to ensure that Guyana benefits as soon as possible from COVID-19 vaccines that are in the trial stage. For now, treatment continues for positive patients, especially since Guyana was able to source Remdesivir – the anti-viral drug that has shown positive results. (G12)