Neuberg Diagnostics gets ICMR approval for COVID testing in Kerala

PTI, Jul 24, 2020, 3:32 PM IST

Thiruvananthapuram: Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing in Kerala.

Neuberg, India”s fourth-largest pathology player, had earlier received approvals for COVID testing in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune, it said in a press release.

Kerala had reported 1,078 coronavirus cases on Thursday, the highest single-day surge so far.

Its infection tally has crossed the 16,000 marks.

Aishwarya Vasudevan, Group Chief Operating, Neuberg Diagnostics Private Limited said, as the virus continues to spread globally, India finds itself between Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the disease spread.

“The State and Central Government are taking the right measures to curtail its spread. At this point of time, it is Neuberg and the healthcare fraternity’s duty to fight this pandemic, hand-in-hand with our policymakers and our people at the forefront,” she said.

“We have also set up a special support fund for the weaker sections of the society. Through this, we will offer free of cost testing to people with a BPL ration card and appropriate doctor prescriptions,” she added.

“Neuberg Diagnostics in Kochi has already started collecting COVID samples. The mandatory requirement is the identity and address proof, Requisition/Prescription from Physician with their Medical registration number. We intend to adhere to the regulated timeline of 24-48 hours for reports throughout Kerala. Reporting and sample acceptance will be strictly in accordance with the ICMR guidelines,” she said.

As per the guidelines issued by ICMR for COVID- 19 testing in private laboratories, Neuberg will provide the test to an individual only when prescribed by a qualified physician, while also adhering to the sample collection and testing guidelines set by ICMR.

Best-in-class laboratories across India, USA, UAE, and South Africa have united under the banner of Neuberg Diagnostics, to bring the latest technology and techniques within the reach of developing countries.

“Utilizing their combined strengths, the Neuberg Alliance brings capabilities to perform over6,000 varieties of pathological investigations and will promote Prevention & Early Diagnosis, focused wellness programs and structured Disease Management programs for rare diseases using the most advanced technologies assisted by Data science and AI tools,” the release added.