35 States, UT Conducting More Than 140 Covid-19 Tests Per Day Per Million Population As Advised By WHO: Health Ministry

Union Health Ministry on Thursday (8 October) said that as many as 35 states and union territories (UTs) have exceeded the number of Covid-19 tests advised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Health Ministry said that the WHO in its guidance note on “Public Health Criteria to Adjust Public Health and Social Measures in the Context of COVID-19” has advised 140 tests per day per million population for comprehensive surveillance for suspected cases.

"35 States/UTs have exceeded the advised number of tests. The national average of tests per day per million population stands at 865," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that with the 11,94,321 Covid-19 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tests have risen to 8,34,65,975.

Higher testing across wide regions leads to early identification of positive cases, prompt tracking through efficient surveillance and tracing, and timely and effective treatment in homes, facilities and in hospitals for the severe cases. These measures in tandem eventually lead to lower mortality rate, the ministry said.