A private laboratory in Anambra, Accunalysis Diagnostic Centre, Nnewi, accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has begun COVID-19 testing in the state.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka yesterday, Mr Chijike Agbaka, the Managing Director of the Diagnostic Centre, disclosed that the centre had already carried out some COVID-19 tests last weekend.
The centre, owned by Chief Calistus Okereke, is equipped to test 100 persons daily, for chemistry and dermatology, while their major interest is molecular diagnosis.
He commended Governor Willie Obiano for creating enabling environment for the laboratory centre to contribute its quota to the health sector.
The Managing Director said the centre had no political affiliation with any group as reported in some social media, and that the facility is owned by an investor, who is passionate about reducing medical tourism in the state.
Agbaka said the private laboratory would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government over the partnership.
It was also gathered that the laboratories at the Onitsha General Hospital and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, are other COVID-19 testing centres awaiting NCDC’s approval in the state.