The Fiji Medicinal Products Board has placed restrictions on the import and usage of COVID-19 rapid antigen detection test kits in Fiji.
Chairman of the board Reenal Chand said importers must seek authorisation from the board before buying the test kits.
All COVID-19 rapid antigen detection test kits imported must comply with WHO (World Health Organization) standards as specified by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,” Mr Chand said in a public notice.
The board says all applications for import authoritymust be in writing and must state manufacturer authorisation and importer to demonstrate it has a suitable storage facility.
“Direct sales of COVID- 19 antigen detection test kits to the public is only permitted from premises licenses by the board.”
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services had last year said health providers in Fiji were to cease offering rapid tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
“These tests are based on the detection of antibodies and antigens and they are not reliable for the acute diagnosis of COVID-19,” the ministry had said.
