India, March 31 -- Labs remain sparse in worst-hit states

Close to two months after the first novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was recorded, India has just 201 labs that are equipped to carry out the tests. Of these, 128 are government labs (123 are receiving testing kits from Indian Council of Medical Research and 6 are without ICMR support) and 73 are private labs.

A closer look at the three states with most COVID-19 cases tells a worrying story. Kerala, which has reported 202 cases so far, has 12 labs with covid-19 testing capabilities.

Maharashtra, which is a close second at 198 reported cases, has 23 certified labs so far. Delhi, with 87 cases, has 14 certified labs. Karnataka (83 cases) and Uttar Pradesh (82 cases) has 14 and...