Nima Wangdi

The health ministry (MoH) today launched VITEK MS and VITEK 2 compact services at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) that would cut turnaround time and improve service delivery with efficient and test results.

VITEK 2 Compact is designed to provide identification and Antibiotics Susceptibility Test results in 5 to 10 hours while conventional methods take 18- 24 hours according to a press release from the ministry.

VITEK MS uses the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) technology which can identify microorganisms within a short period of time compared to conventional methods which require 24 hours.

“These automated machines will also help identify a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, have high-performance identification and reduce the time to report results,” the press release stated. 

The VITEK 2 Compact provides the result in Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values which will be accurate and useful to the clinician on the choice of antibiotics to be prescribed.

The press release also stated that the machines will also help in their efforts to enhance the diagnosis and strengthen the tuberculosis control program.

“Without these automated machines, our capacity in the area of detection of microorganisms is greatly limited,” the press release stated that the introduction of the equipment would greatly foster clinical studies and strengthen capacities in the field of medical research, and strengthen AMR data management and reporting at all levels.

The equipment which is worth Nu 10 million has been acquired through the Fleming Fund Project, an agency based in the United Kingdom.  The equipment will be installed at

JDWNRH, Royal Center for Disease Control and National Veterinary Laboratory.