SHOCKING: No takers for India’s first mobile testing lab for COVID-19

By Zahid H Javali

While a three-van setup was given by IISc-incubated firm ShanMukha Innovations to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) in August, there is no demand for more units. While various state governments are giving a letter of intent to take care of the operational costs that are about Rs 5 lakh a month and Rs 2000 per test, there are no takers for the capital cost of Rs 2 crore. Similarly, while some corporates have shown interest under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, they are pushing back due to the cash-flow issues. Even the automobile sector that needs an on-ground lab of this nature is not ready to take on the additional expense due to depleting revenues and lower production. Besides, while the project design was approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the premier research body is not ready to provide funds to this startup unless the firm invests on a unit themselves and proves that their model is working in rural areas as the cities don’t need it as many labs have come up to meet the demands.   

The various state governments are also flip-flopping on many counts. While the testing has plateaued, the number of cases are only rising due to many reasons, including the carelessness of people. The authorities are preferring antigen testing for screening as it’s faster, cheaper and does not require any particular skills or expertise. “The responses from the states have been quite varied,” says Arun Balasubramiam, CEO, ShanMukha Innovations. “The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments say this facility was required three months ago and not now as there is no COVID.”

The reasons from other states include the government’s focus on emergency care rather than critical care. “They are saying that a vaccine is on its way, so they are not testing for three months,” says Arun. “The Karnataka government has no budget right now, while the few corporates who are interested are pushing back on their plans.”

The firm’s idea is that every district should have one mobile unit of three vans, where each vehicle is used for a different purpose: sample collection, RNA extraction, and RT-PCR testing. Instead of 2-10 days, the report will be out in 4-12 hours. “This kind of setup would either augment the existing capacity or add a new capability,” says Arun. “Initially, we got enquiries from private industries, but now they are just managing with thermal screening.”

While the white collar sector does not require a mobile van on-ground, the mobile unit can be a big boon for the manufacturing and other sectors that need hands-on employees. Even after COVID-19, the mobile labs will never lose their utility. Only the testing kit will change, while the rest of the diagnostic infrastructure will remain.”

The capital cost of Rs 2 crore is for the three vans and equipment, while the personnel cost would be around Rs 5 lakh a month for six lab technicians, two data entry operators for recording patient details, one pathologist, and one microbiologist to approve the report. If your firm or business requires such a 3-van setup from this IISc-incubated firm in Bangalore, you can call Arun at 97422-55674.