Selling of rapid antibody test kits in drug stores, as long as government-approved, is now allowed, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday.
“Itong pagbebenta ng rapid anti-body tests sa drug stores ito ay hindi naman ipinagbabawal, ngunit kailangan po rehistrado ng FDA [Food and Drug Administration] ‘yung ating ibinibenta diyan,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
Selling of rapid tests without the approval from the FDA, including online transactions, is prohibited. Vendors who will be caught will face sanctions.
“Kapag po nakita and nagkaroon ng ebidensiya na talagang hindi rehistrado ang ibinibenta nila, may mga kaukulang sanctions po ‘yan ayon sa ating batas,” Vergeire pointed out.
Meanwhile, the FDA confirmed on Friday that the department has approved 204 COVID-19 test kits.
The approved test kits include 71 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test kits, 77 rapid antibody test kits, 51 immunoassay test kits, and five others. (RJ Espartinez)