Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque has said coronavirus tests are being done at seven centres in the country.

The minister revealed this information after being connected with the regular press briefing of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) in the capital on Sunday.

He said, “The IEDCR, IPH, National Institute of Laboratory Medicine, icddr’b, Shishu Hospital, Children Health Research Foundation and Idesh (A scientific non-profit health service organisation) are already prepared for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The number will enhance further.”

Zahid Maleque said initiative has been taken for PCR testing in each division of the country. The coronavirus test has been started at the Bangladesh Institute of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases in Chattogram. The works are almost done to set up PCR machines in Rangpur and Rajshahi Medical College and Hospitals.

He informed that the work for setting up PCR machine at Mymensigh Medical College and Hospital has already been started. The coronavirus examinations will begin in rest other divisions of the country within 7 to 10 days.

3 lakh personal protective equipment (PPE) have been supplied to different hospitals, he added.

“We have 500 ventilators in our hand. In addition, 450 ventilators will come further. Presently, we have 45,000 kits for corona tests.”