Stabilizing prices of Covid-19 test kits

The demands for Covid-19 test kits have risen sharply recently due to the substantial increase in the number of Covid-19 infected across the country. As the average quantity of new confirmed cases every day reaches 45,000 cases, people have been rushing to buy COVID-19 rapid test kits, causing a shortage and increased prices in some areas.

There has existed the phenomenon of speculating, hoarding or taking advantage of the pandemic to increase the selling prices of medical equipment.

Therefore, the Ministry of Health has asked local authorities to inspect the import, trade and procurement of rapid test kits and other medical products and equipment related to Covid-19 treatment such as face masks, oxygen generators, medical gloves, etc.

It is also working with the Ministry of Finance to cap the cost of testing at private medical facilities and the General Department of Customs to fix maximum prices for imported testing equipment, including rapid antigen test kits.

Health authorities, in addition, call on Covid-19 rapid test kit producers and importers to increase production and import activities to ensure supply and product quality. Distributors and retailers are required to publicize prices and not stockpile or increase prices, which could result in scarcity in the market.

According to the health ministry, as of February 23, 2022, the ministry licensed 169 medical devices, with 14 domestically produced and 155 imported products including 56 genetic material testing products, 83 SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing products and 30 anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing products.