Adib Noor
With the introduction of antigen rapid test (ART) kits that will be offered at a set price by the government, businesses are encouraged to offer ART kits at a competitive price, 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 at a press conference yesterday.
The government is introducing the initiative to offer an affordable option for the population in response to the issue of the rising prices of ART kits in the country, the minister added.
“We are only offering an option and not appointing ourselves as the main supplier of ART kits in the country,” he said.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) recently announced a joint initiative with the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) to offer ART kits priced at BND3 each.
“The government has set a price of BND3 as a benchmark for private companies to sell the ART kits,” said the minister. It was explained that private businesses are allowed to sell and provide other options for customers.
“The public can continue to purchase from any sellers including online vendors if the cost of the ART kit is considered reasonable or any brands of their preference,” added the minister.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said the government’s initiative in offering ART kits is aimed at offering an affordable option for everyone.
The public is advised to ensure that the quality of ART kits purchased are in accordance with the set standards and included in the list approved by the MoH. The list of ART kits allowed for sale in Brunei Darussalam is available on the MoH www.moh.gov.bn.
