It has been reported that a substantial stockpile of 2 lakh rapid antigen test kits, crucial for identifying and controlling the spread of Covid-19, is currently stored in government medical supply department warehouses and is nearing its expiration date.
The unused test kits are a consequence of a circular letter issued over a year ago by the Director General of Health Services, instructing a halt to rapid antigen tests. This directive has led to the accumulation of these vital testing resources, untouched and potentially wasted, as the kits approach their expiry.
Responding to inquiries made by Lankasara, a Ministry of Health spokesperson confirmed that these test kits are not only housed in government warehouses but are also present in the inventories of certain hospitals.
Amidst this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released information about the symptoms of the new Covid strain, JN 1. According to WHO guidelines, rapid antigen tests play a crucial role in identifying patients promptly and managing the spread of the disease effectively.
The spokesperson emphasized that if the circular issued by the Director General of Health Services is rescinded, and doctors are given the authority to conduct necessary tests for identifying suspected patients, it could significantly contribute to controlling the spread of the disease and reducing associated risks. By allowing healthcare professionals to employ rapid antigen tests judiciously, the spokesperson believes that damage caused by the virus could be minimized within specific groups.
