Subject: RE: COVID testing capacity
From: Tamar Gabunia </O=EXCHORGANIZATION/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=E6CA04F38EC94D0CADAB9CBDF90FCDDE-TAMAR G>
To: Lire Ersado <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:49:12 +0000

Dear Lire
Thanks a lot! It is really great that negotiations went well and we can soon start the implementation of the new project. I've attached a daily epid bulleting issued by NCDC which indicates the number of PCR tests undertaken. Our goal is to increase testing capacity up to 1500 by mid-May and then up to 3000 daily by July. Five private labs joined the COVID19 testing program this week. This enabled us to almost double testing capacity and increase the numbers over 800 daily. 
We are currently negotiating with Roche Diagnostics on procuring COBAS 6800 systems, 2 machines (one can be available in Q3 and the other one early 2021). This will help us to reach our immediate goals for testing. At the same time we are working with Cepheid to ensure delivery of COVID 19 cartridges ASAP. We got only 1500 units so far. The Global Fund assisted us in the past to obtain 50 GeneXpert machines. Therefore, with Cepheid cartridges we can have several clinics doing point of care PCR testing. 
In addition, the national algorithm defines high risk groups for regular testing by antibody tests. But for confirmatory testing we only use PRC. 
Should you have additional questions or require clarification please let me know. 

პატივისცემით,
თამარ გაბუნია
მინისტრის პირველი მოადგილე

Sincerely,
Tamar Gabunia, MD, MPH
First Deputy Minister

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lire Ersado [mailto:[email-masked]] 
Sent: 29 April, 2020 13:22
To: Tamar Gabunia <[email-masked]>
Subject: COVID testing capacity 

Dear Tamar,
Hope you are doing well. Congrats on successful negotiations of the COVID project yesterday.
When you get a chance, great if you let me know how many COVID tests per day you are undertaking now? Do you plan to increase testing capacity as part of our COVID emergency project? If so, to many tests per day and by when? 

Best
Lire

Sent from my iPad