KOTA KINABALU – Commercially available Covid-19 rapid test kits should be subsidised to assist in the detection of the deadly virus, said former Sabah health minister Datuk Frankie Poon.
The government should subsidise at least 50% of the retail price, he said last night, adding that the current prices are simply too high.
“I found that the Covid-19 self-test kits proposed in the MySejahtera app are expensive. The cheapest ones are RM35 each, while the costliest kits are RM41.
“I am worried that there are not many people able to afford them.”
The cost of undergoing a swab test at medical facilities in the state ranges from RM70 to RM300.
Poon, who is also Sabah DAP acting chairman, said the pandemic has adversely impacted people’s spending power.
He suggested that the kits be priced at RM15 each after the subsidy.
“The purchase of self-test kits will become an additional cost for the household. And, many are unable to buy them as they are too expensive.”
Making the kits cheaper will encourage more people to use them, aiding in the government’s efforts to detect and contain infections, he said.
At the same time, he said, companies can carry out scheduled testing on workers.
“Ultimately, the government will save a lot in the long run by way of reducing the number of cases at quarantine centres.”
On July 14, Putrajaya announced that two test kits have passed technical and testing procedures, and will be given approval for import and distribution.
Another 15 kits are undergoing performance testing.
Among the requirements imposed on self-test kit importers and distributors are providing clear and user-friendly instructions for usage and disposal, implementing a kit safety and performance monitoring system, and ensuring there are kit distribution records. – The Vibes, August 4, 2021
