MFDS, "Sufficient Supply of Free Self-Test Kits at Screening Clinics"

Expand Production Capacity by Increasing Workforce and Facilities

On the 28th, medical staff at the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station, where PCR tests and rapid antigen tests are set to be conducted simultaneously, are organizing rapid antigen test kits. This initiative focuses on COVID-19 screening clinics installed nationwide at public health centers and large hospitals. From the 29th to the 2nd of next month, a five-day practice period will be held using both tests. Starting from the 3rd, not only screening clinics but also 204 temporary screening clinics nationwide and some hospitals and clinics participating in COVID-19 treatment, such as respiratory specialty clinics, will join the new testing system. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 2nd, Kim Kang-lip, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, visited Humasis, a self-test kit manufacturer located in Gunpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, and urged, "Please do your best to ensure that self-test kits are supplied without disruption to screening clinics, pharmacies, and other locations."

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, self-test kit manufacturers are cooperating with the ministry to produce and supply 6.86 million self-test kits for use over the next two weeks at 256 public health center screening clinics nationwide, as well as 9.6 million kits available for individuals to purchase through online shopping malls, pharmacies, and other outlets.

The ministry plans to provide administrative support to expedite approvals, manufacturing, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification related to self-test kits. Manufacturers are also expanding production personnel and facilities to gradually increase output within this month to ensure sufficient supply domestically.

Accordingly, since the supply of self-test kits used for free testing at screening clinics is expected to be sufficient, the ministry explained that individuals do not need to purchase excessive quantities of self-test kits on their own.

The ministry stated, "We will continue to do our best to ensure smooth supply of self-test kits so that they can be used or purchased conveniently at screening clinics or by individuals at any time, and we will continuously monitor the market prices and supply status of self-test kits."

Commissioner Kim, who visited the production site, said, "I am very grateful to the company officials who are accelerating production even during the holidays," and added, "I hope you will continue to do your best to ensure that high-quality self-test kits are supplied sufficiently and without disruption to screening clinics, pharmacies, and other locations."