Japanese healthcare company donates COVID-19 testing kits to Pakistan
Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo received 130,000 COVID-19 rapid testing kits from a Japanese healthcare company Fujirebio, after the approval of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC).
The Japanese company Fujirebio is known for its research, development and innovation-based products.
Espline is Japan’s first kit that detects COVID-19 antigens in less than 30 minutes, offering a simple procedure using a nasal swab. The kits have an evidential concordance rate of more than 90% and have been used at Japanese airports in the past.
On behalf of Fujirebio, Ryoichi Nagashima and Keiko Yamamoto expressed their gratitude for a quick response from the Government of Pakistan in accepting the donation, while appreciating support extended by the Embassy and its officers in smooth coordination.
Ambassador Imtiaz Ahmad welcomed the company delegation at the Embassy and thanked them for the donation.
The coronavirus testing kits will be airlifted from Narita Airport in Tokyo for Islamabad International Airport. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will be assisting with the logistics once the consignment arrives in Pakistan early next week, according to the embassy.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad will implement a distribution plan for use of these kits in different healthcare facilities across Pakistan.
Through a series of meetings with the Japanese team and field inspection visits, Trade and Investment Counselor at the Embassy has been acting as the focal point for providing a channel of close coordination between the donor company and the consignee agency in Pakistan.
The mission also acknowledges and appreciates efforts of two overseas Pakistanis living in Japan, Ghalib Hussain and Farid Hussain who have played a key role in connecting the donor company Fujirebio with the Embassy of Pakistan in Tokyo. Pakistan embassy highly appreciated efforts by Pakistani community who are contributing towards the national cause.
