Supplies from Singapore’s stockpile of ART kits released to retailers last week amid shortage: MOH

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Government has built up a stockpile of antigen rapid test (ART) kits and supplies were released last week in response to requests from retailers, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Thursday (Feb 17).

"With the surge in demand for kits globally as well as in Singapore, the retailers work closely with the Government to plan ahead to secure a healthy supply of kits," MOH said in response to CNA's queries.  

"The Government has built up a stockpile of ART test kits to prevent and mitigate any sudden disruption in supplies globally or sudden surge in demand in Singapore. When there is shortage, the Government has released supplies from its stockpile to retailers."

The test kits were out of stock at several stores last week, as Singapore experienced a surge in cases during the ongoing wave of infections from the Omicron coronavirus strain.

MOH said that the demand for the rapid test kits is "reflective of the testing needs among the population as the Covid-19 situation evolves".

"In Singapore, recent demand for test kits has risen as the population takes on greater social responsibility to perform more regular self-testing," it added.

About nine million kits have been sold at retail stores since they were made available in pharmacies last June.

Close to 25 million of these kits have also been given out to households via the Government's two nationwide distribution exercises, between August and September, and from October to December.

Each household was given 16 test kits.

"As we are still in the midst of an Omicron wave, regular testing can help to reduce transmission and alleviate the potential strain on our healthcare system," MOH said.

"We therefore maintain our advice to the general population to conduct regular self-testing, especially prior to visiting crowded places or interacting with vulnerable groups during this period."

The ministry said it will continue to review its testing strategy while ensuring a healthy supply of the rapid test kits. CNA