DOH clarifies: Sale of FDA-approved rapid test kits in drug stores still not allowed

Correcting an earlier statement, the Department of Health on Saturday clarified that the selling of rapid antibody test kits in drug stores, even those approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is still prohibited.

The correction came after Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at the Laging Handa public briefing earlier in the day that FDA-approved rapid test kits can now be sold to the public through drug stores.

"I stand corrected. Rapid anti-body tests CANNOT be bought in the pharmacies as it cannot be self-administered. Only facilities with the guidance of a doctor can provide the tests," Vergeire said.

In her earlier remark at the briefing, the DOH official said the selling of rapid test kits in drug stores "ay hindi naman ipinagbabawal, ngunit kailangan po rehistrado ng FDA 'yung ating ibinibenta diyan."

Those selling rapid tests without approval from the FDA, especially through online selling is also prohibited, and vendors 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.

The FDA on Friday said it has approved a total of 204 COVID-19 test kits so far.

These include 71 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test kits, 77 rapid antibody test kits, 51 immunoassay test kits, and five others. —LBG/MDM, GMA News