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

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.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on Ecuador, attracting international media attention due to its high death toll and overwhelmed healthcare system. Ecuador's reliance on imported biotechnological products for its healthcare system highlights the need for policies to develop the biotechnological industry.