[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government plans to introduce new testing equipment next month that can significantly reduce the time required for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, Asahi Shimbun reported on the 26th. It is interpreted that the Japanese government, feeling the limitations of its testing capacity, aims to strengthen the system through new equipment.
According to the report, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced on the same day that it intends to introduce new equipment that can replace the current PCR testing devices used to confirm COVID-19 infection. Currently, PCR tests detect viral genetic material using mucus or sputum from the throat. Using this machine, it takes about six hours to confirm test results.
The Ministry expects that the new testing equipment, which utilizes technology developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, will be able to provide test results within 15 minutes. Additionally, it can conduct tests for up to four people simultaneously. The price is approximately 1 million yen (about 11 million KRW) per unit.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare began performance testing at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases on the 20th and confirmed that the new equipment performs tests equivalent to existing devices. It plans to start operating the equipment at public health centers as early as next month. Asahi cited the manufacturer and distributor of the device, stating, "We have secured dozens of units to enable immediate nationwide deployment."
The Japanese government’s move to introduce new equipment comes amid a recent sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, which has exposed the limitations of testing capacity. Health Minister Kato Katsunobu appeared before the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the same day and revealed that between the 18th and 23rd, COVID-19 tests ranged from a minimum of 665 to a maximum of 1,594 per day, totaling about 5,700 tests. He said, "There have been reports that tests were requested but not conducted. I believe this is because we reached our limit." He added that efforts will be made to strengthen the testing system in light of this.
Regarding the fact that Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare staff members tested positive for COVID-19, he said, "We feel a heavy responsibility," and added, "We are instructing staff to thoroughly prevent the spread and will respond firmly to ensure the infection does not spread further."
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