The Shortcomings of COVID-19 Testing in Ecuador: Time to Incentivize Research and Innovation.

Chalen I., Cobo MM., Gutierrez B., Carrazco-Montalvo A., Ponce P., Cisneros-Heredia DF.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Ecuador severely. The country caught the attention of international media due to its high death toll and overwhelmed healthcare system. The clinical diagnostics system was rapidly overloaded, and the import of PCR tests was delayed. The case of Ecuador illustrates how middle-income countries rely heavily on the importation of biotechnological products for their healthcare systems. The Ecuadorian experience during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a call for the formation of policies for the development of the biotechnological industry.

DOI

10.3390/life12030325

Type

Journal article

Journal

Life (Basel)

Publication Date

22/02/2022

Volume

12

Keywords

biotechnology industry, coronavirus, diagnosis, research and development

Permalink Original publication