Philippine News Agency
No problem with production of Covid-19 test kits
The Office of the President is prepared to fund the intensified production of COVID-19 test kits.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo and DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña assured the public that sufficient funds are available for the production of diagnostic kits, refuting false narratives.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has pledged PHP2 billion for additional test kits.
The Philippines currently has 4,500 test kits and expects 2,500 more from the World Health Organization.
Manila Healthtek, the private company producing locally developed test kits, is ready to scale up production once imported raw materials arrive.
These locally developed test kits cost around P1,320 per test, significantly cheaper than foreign kits priced at P8,500.
The Department of Science and Technology clarified that it is not soliciting donations but suggests private sector contributions be coordinated with agencies like the DOH or PGH.
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