The Daily Star, July 02, 2002

GPL invents kit to detect arsenic level



BSS, Dhaka


Using local technology, a private pharmaceuticals company of the country has invented 
a low cost easy handling field kit to detect arsenic level both in tubewell and ground 
waters.

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GPL), on completion of a research on over 2500 samples of 
arsenic contaminated waters for two and a half years, recently invented the kit which 
will be available in the market within a couple of months.


Giving details of the invention at a press conference at a city hotel yesterday, the 
managing director of the GPL Momenul Huq said the cost of the kit is much lower than 
that of those which are being imported by the government and some local NGOs from the 
USA and Germany.


Huq said if we use the GPL kit only Tk 2500 is needed to conduct arsenic test on 100 
samples. But the amount would be as high as Tk 4200 if we use the imported kits 
including those of Hack and March brands to conduct test on similar number of samples, 
he said.


Replying to a question, he said the cost of GPL kit is much lower because it is produced
locally with indigenous technology.


Momenul Huq said the kit is cost effective, easy handling and any persons can detect 
arsenic in water by using the kit within 20 minutes. Mercuric Bromide Paper Strip and 
Solid acid are being used for the kit, he added.


He said the company is thinking to sell the kit to the government and the NGOs, working 
in the field of arsenic. "We will formally approach the government and the NGOs for 
buying our kit," he said adding that the price of the kit could be reduced further if 
we get order from the government or the NGOs in bigger number.


According to available statistics over five crore people in 61 upazilas are now exposed 
to arsenic contamination posing a severe threat to public health.