Mubasher: A Kuwaiti research team has successfully developed a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test solution for the new coronavirus (COVID-19), Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

The new test has excellent and accurate diagnostic results and proves another achievement and a milestone by Kuwaitis, Salman Al Sabah, head of Surgical Department at Jaber Al Ahmad Hospital told KUNA.

These days, countries face a worldwide challenge in COVID-19 testing as many international companies are unable to meet all needs, not to mention the high price, long waiting periods that could reach several months, and transport procedures delays, he noted.

For these reasons, the Kuwaiti health ministry formed a research team to see if there is a possibility to develop the testing mechanism locally, said Sulaiman Al Mazidi who participated in developing the new test solution.

The team has commenced the initial production phase, Al Mazidi added, emphasising that the next stage would focus on accelerating the production capacity to honour domestic needs.

On a more positive note, the new solution will save the GCC nation huge amounts of money and limit late deliveries from abroad.

As of Wednesday, Kuwait has reported 17,568 cases of COVID-19, 124 deaths, and 4,885 recoveries.