What does the Ministry of Health say about the rapid Covid-19 test purchased abroad for 1.5 USD?

At the online conference between the Prime Minister and businesses on September 26, Mr. Dang Hong Anh - Chairman of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, shared that through research, there are units selling Covid-19 rapid test kits for only about 1.5 USD.

According to Mr. Dang Hong Anh, if the Government sends a department to directly contact units abroad, with a purchase quantity of up to 100 million tests, the selling price will be about 1 USD (less than 25,000 VND/test). With this announced price, importing enterprises add many costs, but the cost price is only about 50,000 VND. If buying directly from the manufacturer in large quantities, the price will be much cheaper. Meanwhile, localities bid for these tests at about 70,000 - 80,000 VND.

Regarding this issue, a leader of the Department of Medical Equipment and Construction (Ministry of Health) said that the Ministry of Health does not negotiate or control the price of this medical equipment because there are no regulations. Currently, the price of testing is self-announced by the enterprise and they are responsible for it.

Rapid Covid-19 test for workers at Minh Anh Garment Joint Stock Company. Photo: Tien Dong

Previously, on September 23, the Ministry of Health issued an official dispatch on strengthening inspection, examination and handling of violations in Covid-19 prevention and control.

According to the Ministry of Health, service pricesCovid-19 testhave not been strictly controlled, especially in the private health sector. In the coming time, the Ministry of Health requires localities and units to conduct tests in a scientific, practical manner, suitable to the epidemic situation in each place to avoid abuse and waste.

At the same time, strengthen inspection, examination and supervision of the implementation of legal regulations on prices of rapid diagnostic services and RT-PCR molecular biological testing to identify Covid-19. Strengthen inspection and supervision of the production and trading of biological products, drugs, chemicals, medical equipment and supplies to prevent the Covid-19 epidemic to prevent speculation, price increases, and trading of counterfeit, fake and poor-quality goods.

Inspect and supervise the implementation of bidding packages for the procurement of drugs, equipment, and medical supplies for epidemic prevention to avoid waste, corruption, negativity, and group interests in procurement.

In addition, the Ministry also requires timely detection, correction and strict handling of violations in accordance with the provisions of the law, widely publicized in the mass media. In case of detecting signs of criminality, the case must be immediately transferred to the competent authority for handling in accordance with the regulations.