The Ministry of Health proposes localities to set up teams to inspect the production and business of rapid antigen and RT-PCR test kits. — Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health (MoH) has sent an official dispatch to the authorities of cities and provinces on strengthening inspections of the import and trade of COVID-19 test kits in order to detect and strictly handle violations in pandemic prevention. 

Recently, some press agencies and people have reported about the inconsistency in prices for both rapid antigen and RT-PCR testing services, at health facilities, especially at private establishments.

To promptly detect and handle activities related to taking advantage of the pandemic to make profit and raise the price of COVID-19 testing services, MoH proposed localities set up inspection teams to conduct unscheduled inspections at establishments that import, manufacture, trade and use equipment and supplies for pandemic prevention and control, especially COVID test kits.

The inspections also need to review the process, procurement procedures, quality, price of products and testing services, as well as the legal status at health facilities in accordance with the law.

The ministry also requested the People's Committees of the provinces and cities to coordinate with the ministry's inspectors to solve difficulties in inspection. 

Up to now, the health agency has licensed 97 types of COVID test kits, including 35 RT-PCR test kits, 39 antigen test kits and 23 antibody test kits. —  VNS