Accessible and affordable COVID-19 self-test kits
 
Thai people at risk of COVID-19 infection can access free self-test kits purchased and distributed by the National Health Security Office (NHSO)
 
Thailand has experienced a surge of highly contagious Omicron cases, in which the majority of infected people show show asymptomatic or mild symptoms.
 
Quick access to self-test kits, or Antigen Test Kit (ATK), is crucial for identifying the cases while containing the spread of the virus.
 
In July last year, the NHSO purchased 8.5 million self-test kits and distributed them to health units across the country. Health staff then hand the self-test kits to anyone at risk of COVID-19.
 
However, having the NHSO act as the sole distributor can’t catch up with the rising demand for self-test kits amidst the surge of Omicron cases.
 
The NHSO board decided last week to introduce an option in which health units can purchase the self-test kits and claim the cost from the NHSO. They can request 55 baht per unit of self-test kits.
 

Dr Jadej Thammatacharee, the NHSO Secretary-General, said that health units were encouraged to purchase self-test kits under the government’s ‘innovation list” — the list of innovative goods and services that involve Thai people or organizations in their development.
 
These items are quality guaranteed by the Thai government. Purchasing them will help support the local producers and encourage more research and development.
 
“The NHSO can act as an intermediary between the self-test kits manufacturers and the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (who represents the health units) in agreeing on prices and purchasing quantity,” said Dr Jadej.
 
“We have coordinated with health units to design a distribution plan, which allows people to get self-test kits quickly and easily.” 
 
To get the self-test kits, an individual must fill out a risk assessment form on PaoTang mobile application or at health units, clinics, or pharmacies partnering with the NHSO. Self-test kits will be given if the assessment finds the person at risk of Covid-19.
 
Currently, the government has encouraged anyone with positive test results and mild symptoms to isolate themselves at home instead of staying at hospitals, of which beds are reserved for critical cases.
 
They can also stay at community isolation facilities — the communal buildings or spaces, including town halls, community meeting spaces, and temples that are turned into isolation areas. 
 
Hospitels or hotels turned into isolation facilities are another available option for infected persons who can’t isolate themselves at home. 
 
They will receive three meals a day, medicine, and necessary medical devices, including oxygen saturation monitors and thermometers.
 
Doctors will closely monitor the patients via online chats or video calls. If they develop severe symptoms, they will be transferred to hospitals for intensive care.
 
To increase access to COVID-19 tests, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization has manufactured self-test kits and sold them at an affordable price. One unit is priced around 35 baht, four-time lower than the imported self-test kits
 
////////////////////