A technician of the Harbin Xinguang Optic-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. adjusts the spectrum thermometer in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Song)
MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
Chinese scientists are racing to make scientific and technological breakthroughs, said Ding Xiangyang, deputy secretary-general of the State Council, noting that the country has adopted treatment methods that combine traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.
Nucleic acid testing is playing an important role in coronavirus detection. Experts in Jiangsu's Wuxi have developed a rapid nucleic test kit, which can screen the infection within 15 minutes, according to a biotech company in the city.
A total of 14 products for testing the virus have been approved for clinical use, according to Wu Yuanbin, director-general of science and technology for social development with the Ministry of Science and Technology, at a press conference on March 6.
"Nucleic acid testing can detect the gene sequence of the virus and China's sequencing technical capabilities have proved to be among the best in the world, as the gene of the coronavirus was successfully sequenced in just one week after the outbreak," said Tammy Tan, founder of a biotech company in Jiangsu.
Vaccines are also being developed at a rarely seen speed in China. Some vaccines against the coronavirus are expected to enter clinical trials in April, according to Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Development Center for Medical Science and Technology of the National Health Commission.
Zheng said the research and development of vaccines are carried out according to laws and technical requirements, and Chinese researchers have maintained exchanges with the WHO on the standard of vaccines.
"Our goal is to release the vaccine as soon as possible while ensuring its safety and effectiveness," he added.
