UGM Expert once has successfully made the Covid-19 detector that currently receives distribution and marketing permission from the Ministry of Health. The head of the GeNose development team, Prof. Kuwat Triyana, said on Thursday (24/12) that the Ministry of Health has issued the GeNose distribution permit.
“Alhamdulillah, because of the prayers and excellent support from many parties, GeNose C19 officially receives a distribution permit (KEMENKES RI AKD 20401022883) to commence acquiring recognition by Ministry of Health as the official regulators in helping to manage Covid-19 through fast screening,” said Kuwat on Saturday (26/12).
According to Kuwat, after UGM obtained the distribution permit, the team will distribute the GeNose C19 first batch of mass production funded by BIN and Kemenristek/BRIN. Hopefully, the limited number of GeNose C19 will contribute to maximum impact.
“Using the 100 units of the first-batch-released, hopefully, we can carry out 120 tests per device or a total of 12 thousand people a day. The number of 120 tests per tool is according to the estimation that each test takes 3 minutes, including catching a breath so that there will be 20 people tested in one hour, and if it is effective the tool works for 6 hours,” he explained.
Kuwat added that this hope could come true if the GeNose C19 distribution is done right based on the target. For instance, at airports, train stations, and other crowded places, including hospitals. Including the BNPB, which can be mobile approaching the suspect Covid-19. Yet, at this stage, GeNose C19 is not possible for personal use.
Kuwat also emphasized that after receiving a distribution permit, UGM will soon produce the GeNose C19 massively. The team hopes that if there are 1,000 units in the future, it can test as many as 120 thousand people a day. If there are 10 thousand units (based on the target at the end of February 2021), Indonesia will show the highest number of Covid-19 tests per day globally. It is around 1.2. million people per day.
“By all means, we do not hope the number of increasing patients, but the ability to test that much is expected to find people infected with Covid-19 without symptoms (OTG) and can immediately take isolation or treatment so that we can stop the chain of Covid-19 transmission immediately,” said Kuwat.
In achieving this stage, five consortium industries have committed to support, namely PT. Yogya Presisi Tehnikatama Industri (mechanical part), PT. Hikari Solusindo Sukses (electronics and sensors), PT. Stechoq Robotika Indonesia (pneumatic), PT. Nanosense Instrument Indonesia (artificial intelligence, electronics, and after-sales), and PT. Swayasa Prakarsa (assembly, licensing, standards, QC/QA, business).
He also explained that later the test fee with the GeNose C19 is pretty cheap. It is only around Rp. 15-25 thousand. It also can release the quick result test results, which is about 2 minutes and does not require reagents or other chemicals. Besides, taking a test sample in the form of a breath exhalation also seems more comfortable than a PCR or swab.
On behalf of the team, Kuwat also highly appreciated all those who support the GeNose C19 development, namely the Ministry of National Education, BIN, Ministry of Research and Technology / National Agency for Research and Technology / LPDP, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health, KemenPUPR, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Army and Police.
Additionally, there were also 8 diagnostic test partner hospitals (RSUP Dr Sardjito, RSPAU Hardjolukito Yogyakarta, Bhayangkara Hospital Tk III Polda DI Yogyakarta, RSLKC Bambanglipuro Bantul, RST Dr. Soedjono Magelang, Hospital Bhayangkara Tk I Raden Said Soekanto Jakarta, UGM Academic Hospital, and RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang), also to the Ministry of Health’s clinical trial review team who have given critical and constructive input.
Vice-Chancellor for Cooperation and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., said that GeNose is currently ready to be distributed to the market that at once shows UGM’s contribution to dealing with the pandemic and maintaining the economy to keep running as still implementing health protocols. Besides, this also can maintain strategic partnerships and cooperation between universities, government, industry, and society.
“A very good job as well as the achievement to UGM Science Techno Park as a bridge between universities and industry as well as a research site for lecturers and students,” said Paripurna.
Paripurna also appreciated some parties’ support attentiveness to the GeNose development, such as the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees, the Minister of PUPR, the Minister of Transportation, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, BIN, RistekBRIN and other partners.
Author: Satria
Translator: Natasa A