COVID: India, Israel to jointly develop four diagnostic technologies

The team of Israeli researchers, who will soon arrive in India as part of a joint effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, are set to develop four diagnostic technologies to detect the presence of the virus in the body, Hindustan Times reported.

While two rapid tests will detect the presence of the virus in the body within minutes, the other two are voice test and breathalyzer test based on terra-hertz waves. “The first phase of testing of these technologies was done in Israel. The last stage will now be carried out in India,” Hindustan Times quoted Ron Malkin, Israel’s ambassador to India, as saying.

“Developing diagnostic capabilities is a goal for the State of Israel and of many additional countries around the world. It is the most effective way to cut off chains of infection, prevent prolonged quarantine and enable the reopening of the global economy”, Israel’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Earlier Israeli officials said that experts from the two countries had joined hands to develop the rapid testing kits for COVID-19, merging Israel’s technological expertise with India’s mass production capabilities. The team is to leave from Tel Aviv for New Delhi on a special flight in a few days, the statement added.

“We hope that the research and development led by the DDR&D together with our excellent industries and academic institutions, will lead to a breakthrough that will change the way we diagnose and fight the virus, while giving the boost necessary to restart our economy,” Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said.