Drivers of improving cost-efficiency of COVID-19 testing in India
Chase India
The Rockerfeller Foundation
How to make Covid tests more accessible, affordable | The Indian Express
Augmented testing capacity | Hindu Business Line
Is India testing enough in the second Covid wave? | The Quint
COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, countries need billions of doses | CNBC TV-18
Let's aim for affordable and sustainable corona testing | Mint
Background
COVID-19 pandemic affected millions across the globe. India’s first reaction to the pandemic was decisive and swift- a complete lockdown. Besides these, masks were mandated, health facilities upgraded, private sector services onboarded and dedicated COVID care centres established. Despite all of this, India was one of the worst hit countries. The heterogeneous nature of the spread, as revealed by the seroprevalence studies, emphasizes the need for intensive testing. Widespread and equitable testing is imperative to contain the spread of the virus.
About the Study
Our study aims to devise a sustainable roadmap for the introduction of a new last-resort antibiotic TANDEM-ABX in India, with access stewardship as its focus to ensure its regulated use, lowering the risk of AMR.
Methodology
In the study, we
(a) conducted a cost analysis of the RT-PCR test: calculated its per unit cost
(b) compare the cost of RT-PCR test with other tests
(c) present possible measures to reduce the cost of RT-PCR (or alternatives with lower costs and similar test sensitivity).
Outcome
The largest cost drivers are collection and testing consumables (88%). The overall cost reduction can therefore be achieved through reduction in cost or usage of these components. Some of the strategies that can help in cost reduction are:
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Increased and Stable Supply (economies of scale)
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Consolidated and pooled procurement mechanisms (like IPAQT for TB testing reduced prices considerably)
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Pooled testing (pooling the samples and testing the pool. If the pool tests positive, testing all samples individually, otherwise not)