Go Negosyo, partners to present study on pooled RT-PCR testing on Monday

The public can soon expect the implementation of the pooled reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing in the National Capital Region (NCR) by private sector-led Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kit).

Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin, ARK-PCR private sector chief implementer, said the results of the study on the accuracy of pooled testing using RT-PCR will be presented on Monday via Zoom. 

“In preparation for the NCR implementation of the Go Negosyo Pooled Testing Initiative, Go Negosyo together with the Philippine Society of Pathologists Inc., the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine will present the study results of the recently concluded research on pooled testing,” read the advisory shared by Garin to the House reporters via Viber. 

“This game changing methodology will significantly reduce the cost of the PCR testing and exponentially increase our testing capacity,” it added. 

During the GoNegosyo-initiated "Balik Kabuhayan” webinar on July 14,  Garin,  bared that the pooled PCR testing in the private sector will be implemented by end of July. Garin was health secretary during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

She said the initial targets of application for pooled testing are the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and the workers in the Business Processing Outsourcing and construction industry sectors

She noted the areas that will be covered by the pooled PCR testing are cities of Makati, and Mandaluyong;  Cebu,  and Zamboanga.

In an earlier statement, Garin said while, the private sector-led Project ARK-PCR Initiative has successfully reduced the cost of PCR or swab testing to P1,800 to P2,000, there is a "need for further reduction because affordability is key to attacking the virus.”

"While the private sector never wanes in wanting to help, aligning with the National Government and the LGUs are paramount. I know that many would want to be tested via RT-PCR pero hindi magawa (but, it cannot be done) dahil mahal (because it is expensive). Kaya naman isinusulong natin itong pooled testing (That is why we are pushing for pooled testing) na sinimulan na namin gawin (which we have started) through Project ARK RT-PCR Initiative. Our pathologists who are spearheading this, will serve as our warriors in targeting this invisible enemy,” the ARK-PCR private sector chief implementer said.

She noted from the current  P4,500 to P8,000, the cost of the PCR testing will be reduced to P350 per person through pooled RT-PCR testing. 

"Sa pananaw ng iba (Others say), the country seems to be losing this battle, but it does not have to stay that way. May magagawa pa tayo. (We can still do something about it). Kaya pa nating mapagtagumpayan ito (We can hurdle this) kung magtutulungan lang ang lahat (if all will work together) at may direksyon ang ating mga galaw (and our action will have one direction.),” Garin said. 

"When health meets economy, when massive testing is done in unison with social distancing, hygiene practices and other new normal behaviors, when the public and private sectors cooperate, when the national and local government units work hand-in-hand, we can co-exist with COVID-19 and win while we await a vaccine.”