Izah Azahari
The antigen rapid test (ART) kits on sale via vending machines at 15 locations across the country come in one large box containing 25 kits. The option to buy individual kits will be added in the near future, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at a press conference yesterday.
“These vending machines will only accept payment in cash (exact change) in the denominations of BND1, BND5, BND10 and BND20,” he added.
In Brunei-Muara District, the vending machines can be found at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital OPD Shuttle Bus; RIPAS Hospital Women and Children’s Centre (WCC) Shuttle Bus; RIPAS Hospital external car park; Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Sports Complex; UBD Faculty of Science (FOS); BIBD Connect Lambak; Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC); Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC); DST; Brunei International Airport public car park payment counter area; Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas; and the Ministry of Health Headquarters.
Meanwhile, there are also vending machines at Hua Ho Petani Mall in Tutong District; Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital in Temburong District; and Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Belait District.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the ART kits are also available online through INCOMM website www.incomm.com.bn. The company offers free shipping for purchases over BND50. The minister said the list of private companies and clinics selling ART kits will be updated from time to time and information on the sale can be found on www.moh.gov.bn.
Meanwhile, in response to a question on whether the purchase of the ART for sale by the government is funded by the COVID-19 Relief Fund, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah said that it is not possible as the fund is being used by the government for the purchase of medical equipment, and the government expenditure to address the COVID-19 issue is quite large.
“The expenses needed to buy these ART kits to help the public are actually smaller compared to the total government expenditure, and whatever available in the COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used for other purchases,” said the minister.
