Dr. Naqeeb Khalid, a Toronto-based Pakistani doctor, has developed a smart-phone based diagnostic test for Covid-19. While speaking to Pakistan High Commissioner for Canada, Raza Bashir Tarar in a video conversation, Dr. Naqeeb Khalid explained that his invention, through a digital platform, allows for an instant display of test results on any smartphone. It can also store the results, along with time and GPS information. The app will soon be available to download from the app store.
For his extraordinary achievement, Dr. Khalid was lauded by Raza Bashir Tarar. He also expressed that this innovation is a significant step towards curbing the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as viruses that cause dengue and other tropical diseases. He further stated that such a quick and hassle-free invention was extremely necessary for the pandemic-struck humanity. Dr. Khalid’s innovation would manifest its efficacy for the Covid-19 virus through clinical trials before getting necessary approval and mass usage, says Raza Bashir Tarar.
Dr Naqeeb Khalid told the High Commissioner that his innovation is based on a digital platform that displays the result instantly on any smartphone and can also communicate the results @MoIB_Official @Asad_Umar @PTIofficial @fslsltn https://t.co/KSRJng2D5f pic.twitter.com/bDofJ4lig3
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) December 13, 2020
Read more: Are Pakistan’s health systems prepared for a COVID-19 vaccine?
Dr. Naqeeb Khalid, who currently works as Director of Medical Device Programme at the Montreal based Two-Photon Research Inc., had graduated from King Edward Medical University in 1983, before gaining expertise in the invention of medical systems and devices. “Instant, accurate, and low-cost testing that does not rely on laboratory testing is essential in containing the pandemic and together with vaccines, we can control the Covid-19 outbreak and return our lives and economies to normal,” said Dr. Naqeeb Khalid.
Covid-19 cases in Pakistan
The second wave of Covid-19 has hit Pakistan hard. The spike in cases had prompted the government to call an NCOC (National Command Operation Center) with all the provinces’ education ministers on 23rd November. The meeting has recommended the closure of educational institutions from 25 November to 24 December. The positivity ratio in the country has climbed to 7.6% as opposed to 1.4% in October.
Covid-19 vaccine
Around 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be shipped and flown to developing nations in 2021 in what has been described as a ‘mammoth operation,’ the UN announced in the last week of November.
World Leaders have already vowed to ensure a fair distribution of vaccines. WHO claimed that it is working with over 350 airlines and freight companies to ensure that the vaccine reaches vulnerable nations timely. The huge supply plan has been named ‘COVAX.’
As per the WHO website, the ‘COVAX pillar’ has been created to ensure that all countries get a fair and equitable amount of vaccines in due time. The WHO has created the largest vaccine candidates portfolio globally, since WHO has been even before the coronavirus, the largest buyer of vaccines in the world.
Read more: Whole world must benefit from Covid vaccine: WHO chief