KCCR gets mobile laboratory vans to fast-track Covid-19 testing
The Covid-19 testing capacity of Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research (KCCR) is set to increase, with the receipt of mobile laboratory vans.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) handed the equipment following an arrangement with the German Technical Institute, GIZ.
Assistant Commissioner at the customs laboratory of Ghana Revenue Authority Phyllis Sakyi Gyan who read the Commissioner of Customs Divisions of GRA COL. KWADWO Damoah’s (RTD) speech at the short handing over ceremony explains the gesture is towards “increasing Ghana’s capabilities to test for SARS-COV-2 infections”.
Mrs. Sakyi Gyan further explained that the GRA intervention is a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between GRA, KCCR, and GIZ.
“under the MOU, the GRA is providing two (2) mobile laboratory vans, two (2) Chemists and two (2) drivers to support the operation whilst GIZ provides logistics for the collaboration and KCCR who are in charge of the operation, provides experts to conduct the tests”.
She added.
Until now, the results of Covid-19 tests take up to 4 days to be released.
But with the introduction of the mobile laboratory van Covid-19 tests will be ready in just 1 and a half hours
The laboratory vans will be able to move to Covid-19 hotspot areas for mandatory and random testing.
Scientific Director at KCCR, Prof Odame Philips, is confident Ghana’s Covid-19 fight will improve, with two mobile vans.
“I am very confident that our testing capabilities will increase with the addition of these two mobile laboratory vans”. He added that “our test usually takes 4 days to be ready but these vans with the special equipment installed will ensure faster results of Covid-19 tests as we also move to hinterlands and hot-spots to conduct Covid-19 tests.”
“Approach to controlling the pandemic is testing; tracing ad treatment. Pooling available resources to combat Covid-19 is the way to go.”
Prof quickly added that the “GRA’s intervention will augment government’s effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus.”
The GRA team took journalists and KCCR personnel at the short ceremony into the van to appreciate the technology being used to fight the Covid-19.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com
