SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test kits. Photo suckhoedoisong.vn

HCM CITY — The HCM City People’s Committee on March 15 instructed related authorities to check the supply and quality of medical devices and COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits.

It said district people’s committees and the departments of health, industry and trade, finance, public security, market management need to strengthen inspection to uncover smuggled and fake products and price gouging and speculation by taking advantage of the pandemic to increase prices.

It instructed the Department of Health to direct hospitals, health centres, pharmacies, and medical device retailers to list the prices of test kits and ensure their quality.

It also wanted the department to announce the winning bids for supplying rapid antigen test kits on the city’s portals.

It instructed the Department of Industry and Trade to facilitate the import of raw materials for manufacturing test kits.

It urged manufacturers and importers of medical devices to step up production to meet the soaring demand and ensure prices are steady. —VNS