Manila Health Tek distributes cheaper, comprehensive COVID-19 test kits

Manila Health Tek Lab has begun the mass distribution of its locally developed COVID-19 test kits, which are significantly cheaper and more comprehensive than imported alternatives.

The University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) is the first institution to officially receive and use the GENAMPLIFY™ COVID-19 rRT-PCR test kits.

This initiative is a result of a P53.2 million Field Implementation project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), aiming for a daily production of 16,000 tests by May 1.

Dr. Raul Destura, CEO of Manila Health Tek, highlighted that the GENAMPLIFY™ kit includes an RNA extraction device and viral transport medium, offering an advantage over foreign kits, and emphasized the provision of complete technical support and training for laboratory personnel.

The locally-made test kits cost P1,828.40 per complete package, which is almost four times cheaper than international kits that can exceed P8,000.

The GENAMPLIFY™ COVID-19 test kit can be utilized with any RT-PCR machine due to its open-source coding for sample reading.

Several institutions, including government hospitals, private medical centers, and local government units (LGUs), have already availed of these test kits.

DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara stated that investing in local biotechnology research and development is crucial for the country's independence, efficiency, and access to low-cost diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. De la Pena congratulated the teams involved, noting that the local test kits are ready for distribution and will enable UP-NIH to significantly increase its testing capacity, with results available within two hours.