(Eagle News)–The Food and Drug Administration has approved the test kits for the coronavirus disease 2019 developed by the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health and manufactured by Manila HealthTek, Inc.
With the approval of the first made PCR based COVID-19 test kit, the number of COVID-19 tests approved by the FDA for commercial use on Friday climbed to 30.
“Upon the company’s submission of necessary requirements today, the FDA issued a certification for this COVID-19 test kit to be allowed for commercial use,” the FDA said.
The UP test kits reportedly cost around P1,300, much less than the imported test kits with an average price of P6,000.
Several countries have donated COVID-19 test kits to the Philippines, which has announced a mass testing of COVID-19 suspects starting mid-April.
The enhanced community quarantine is expected to end on April 14.
