Covid Self-Testing Kits The New Craze In Market, Health Experts Advise Caution

Easy to use, easy availability, fast results and complete anonymity. These are the benefits of Covid self-testing kits (Rapid Antigen) which have become a craze ever since the past one week.

With a rapid surge in Covid cases in Odisha, these self-testing kits, which were lying unsold at the chemists until recently, are now being sold like hot cakes.

Rajesh Nayak, a chemist in Bhubaneswar said, “There is a demand for such kits, but we do not have sufficient stock. Whatever comes from the suppliers gets sold immediately.”

As per the data provided by the Utkal Chemist and Druggist Association, there was almost no demand for self-testing kits just one week back. But with a rapid increase in cases, the demand for it has increased many folds. Approximately, 5000 to 10,000 testing kits are being sold on a daily basis in the State, the data revealed.

Prashant Mohapatra, General Secretary of Utkal Chemist and Druggist Association said, “The demand has skyrocketed in the past seven days. The retailers are finding it hard to meet the demands.”

Meanwhile, health experts too lauded the awareness of the people using those kits. But at the same time, they advised to exercise caution while using them. The testing kits are not full proof. And their accuracy is not hundred percent, they said.

As per the health experts, the major advantage the users are getting is that they do not have to go to the hospital, neither do they have to stand in long queues to get themselves tested. It can be done from the confines of their homes.

“However, it is of paramount importance to inform the authorities in case the result turns positive. It will help the government keep track of the actual Covid cases and devise policies accordingly.” advised Dr Niraj Mishra, a health expert.

Speaking to the reporters, Odisha Public Health Director, Niranjan Mishra said, “The kit has been approved by the ICMR. So there is no prohibition in using it. But as per the mandate, people who buy it should upload the test results on the web portal.”

Asked about the data of such self testing kits, Mishra said, “I do not have any data on it at present.”