THE rapid spread of the Omicron variant has caused a spike in demand for Covid-19 self-test kits. Such demand has encouraged some people to sell fake or unapproved test kits that the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is very concerned about.
In a recent survey by CAP covering pharmacies, 7-Eleven, B Mart, sundry shops, and petrol stations, it was found that Covid-19 self-test kits were being sold at these places. With their widespread sale, we want to know if they have been authorised by the Medical Device Authority (MDA).
Although MDA has identified a list of 12 companies and their products, which it had approved, it is a very inconvenient method for consumers to verify at the point-of-purchase.
CAP urges the government to restrict the sale of Covid-19 self-test kits to pharmacies and certified retail outlets. Expanding their availability to supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations will make monitoring of MDA more difficult.
There is also the concern that irresponsible people may sell fake or unapproved Covid-19 self-test kits online. Has the Communications and Multimedia Ministry regulated or banned the sale of self-test kits on online platforms?
False-negative test results can lull a person into complacency, which can then help in the spread of the virus and also deprive the person of early medical intervention.
To facilitate consumers’ ease in identifying a MDA approved device, why doesn’t it create a common logo combined with a QR code, which consumers can easily identify and, if they wish, scan the QR code for details of the product?
The current system carrying MDA’s serial number is not helpful as it takes time to search the packaging for it as compared to a prominent logo. – The Vibes, February 24, 2022
Mohideen Abdul Kader is president of the Consumers’ Association of Penang
