Ranking Methodology for Evaluating Region-Wise COVID-19 Testing Performance in India.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• COVID-19 containment relies on testing, tracing, treatment, and isolation.
• India significantly increased COVID-19 testing capacity from March to September 2020.
• Testing performance varied widely across Indian states and union territories (UTs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust methodology for ranking states/UTs based on COVID-19 testing performance.
• To identify gaps in testing strategies and prioritize interventions.
• To enable targeted resource allocation for improved public health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a comprehensive scoring system combining multiple variables.
• Defined composite score based on RT-PCR testing deployment and positivity rate reduction.
• Utilized data on total samples tested, total positives, tests per million, and positives per million.

Main Results:

• A ranking methodology was developed to evaluate state/UT testing performance.
• The scoring emphasizes the successful deployment of RT-PCR testing.
• The approach facilitates identification of underperforming regions for focused attention.

Conclusions:

• A standardized ranking system is crucial for assessing and improving COVID-19 testing across Indian states/UTs.
• Prioritizing RT-PCR testing and reducing positivity rates are key performance indicators.
• Region-wise evaluation enables effective resource allocation and targeted public health interventions.