The domestic manufacturing of critical testing materials and deployments of scalable testing programs that are important for mitigating the spread of the virus will be supported by a generous funding facilitated by Rockefeller Foundation. The foundation on Monday announced US $ 5.5 million (Rs.40 crore approx.) grant to the Center for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and global non-profit PATH to increase Covid-19 testing in India.

Moreover, the grant will also aid in efforts to leverage information and technology in solidifying pandemic surveillance and response. “Expanding access to Covid-19 testing, especially among high-risk populations is critical to safeguarding the health of Indians,” said the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India K Vijay Raghavan.

It is said that research institutes will facilitate support to MSMEs with the help of Rockefeller Foundation’s aid in manufacturing high standard but cost-effective molecular diagnostics that keep up with the global qualitative standards. Not only will these ventures help in solving critical domestic issues, but provide import substitution that is going to enable India to contribute better in the global response of Covid-19.

“Scaling up Covid-19 testing provides crucial insights that can prove to be helpful in India’s response and direct targeted interventions to the ones who are most in need for the care services,” said Naveen Rao, Senior Vice President – Health of Rockefeller Foundation. He further added, “These grants reflect our commitment to supporting India’s equitable recovery from Covid-19, and we look forward to working alongside the Government of India to elevate this crucial goal.”