At a time when there is a shortage of Rapid Antigen kits in hospitals, it is reported that around 100,000 Rapid Antigen kits received as a donation from India are stuck at the airport.
This was revealed by the Medical Supplies Division officials at a discussion chaired by the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena.
Officials have pointed out that these rapid antigen kits are stuck due to the lack of approval from the National Drug Regulatory Authority and non-payment of taxes.
However, it is said that a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance yesterday (08) to obtain a tax relief and have the Rapid Antigen kits released.
The Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health had only 60,000 rapid antigen sets as of yesterday (08). As a result, Covid-19 testing has halted in many hospitals due to the shortage of testing kits.
However, the Deputy Director General of Health of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hemantha Herath, has told the media that in cases where rapid antigen testing is not possible PCR tests should be done.
A stock of around 400,000 Antigen kits will be arriving in the country within the next week, said the State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana in parliament yesterday.
Meanwhile, George Stuarts, the controversial company involved in importing Rapid Antigen kits, has received approval from the health sector to import one million Rapid antigen kits, but the company has so far imported only 30,000 Rapid antigen kits.
However, it is reported that in the next few days, they will be bringing more of the Rapid Antigen kits to Sri Lanka.
