The Philippines has just 2,000 COVID-19 test kits available

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:12 am

Senators expressed their concern about the limited number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test kits available in the country.

The stock on hand is sufficient for 2,000 tests, Dr. Rosanna Ditangco of the Tropical Medicine Research Institute (RITM) testified during a Senate investigation.

Ditangco added that the institute had sought an additional P43 million in funding for’ various needs,’ including the procurement of COVID-19 test kits.

In the meantime, another health official said that more equipment had arrived via the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are 4,500 extraction kits coming from WHO. That will be perfect for 2,000 people said by Dr. Alethea De Guzman.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Health and Demography Christopher “Bong” Go said that testing kits should be made available in remote provinces for successful control of the virus.

Senator Imee Marcos, who led the Senate hearing, said she had concerns as to how the DOH would use the proposed additional budget of P2 billion.

Duque had previously stated that President Rodrigo Duterte had approved the supplementary budget “in principle.” Over P2 billion would be for the procurement of protective equipment for health workers and an additional P10 million would be for the supply of face masks in the country, the Health Secretary added.

Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

North Korea’s New ICBM Launch: An Assertive Display of Strength Amid Global Tensions

With a record-setting intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, North Korea boldly claimed it as the "world's most powerful strategic deterrent."…

October 31, 2024

Record Snow Delay Leaves Japan’s Mount Fuji Bare in October: Climate Change Alters Iconic Landscape

Late October's bare Mount Fuji, a symbol of resiliency and natural beauty, marks the first time in 130 years that…

October 31, 2024

Understanding Why Children Lie: A Guide for Parents

Children eventually learn to see that others cannot read their thoughts as they negotiate their developmental path. Research on an…

October 31, 2024

Netflix Releases ‘Moments’ Feature to Boost Clip Sharing as Part of New Brand Campaign

With a new tool dubbed "Moments," Netflix is improving users' experience and sharing of their preferred scenes. Although the behemoth…

October 31, 2024

Stranger Things: Could Eleven and the Demogorgon Be More Connected Than We Think?

The modest town of Hawkins, Indiana became the center of otherworldly horror once Stranger Things first showed viewers Eleven, a…

October 30, 2024

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Strengthens UAE-Singapore Ties During Official Visit

Recently paying an official visit to Singapore in a historic diplomatic gesture emphasizing the UAE's dedication to strengthen ties in…

October 30, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More