Bulk Purchase Programme to allow Households to purchase Antigen Rapid Test Kits at more competitive price

NOTICE PAPER NO.  798
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 1 NOVEMBER 2021

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis
MP for Sengkang GRC

Question No. 2010

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Government will consider establishing a bulk purchase programme to allow households who require more antigen rapid test kits to purchase them at a more competitive price from the Government rather than from retail pharmacies and shops.

Written Answer

Both Ministry of Health and commercial retailers are already buying in bulk, to replenish our stock and supply their stores respectively.

The Ministry of Health has also taken further steps to make antigen rapid test kits as available and affordable to the public as possible. We sourced and approved affordable and effective kits, have distributed a round of free kits to all households, and are currently doing a second round of distribution. Individuals on Health Risk Warning can also withdraw free kits from 200 vending machines around the island.

We also monitor the overall supply levels and are prepared to release government stocks to retailers when there are shortages.