Only WHO and TGA approved COVID test kits to be allowed in Fiji but the advice stays that if you have symptoms and test negative on a Rapid Diagnostic Test you should still self isolate for 14 days

Only WHO and TGA approved COVID test kits to be allowed in Fiji but the advice stays that if you have symptoms and test negative on a Rapid Diagnostic Test you should still self isolate for 14 days

By Vijay Narayan
Monday 09/08/2021
PanBio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasopharyngeal) manufactured by Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jenna GmbH and STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test manufactured by SD Biosensor Inc.

The Fiji Medicinal Products Board is thoroughly screening and assessing all applications for the importation of COVID-19 test kits to ensure that Fiji only accepts those that meet the WHO standards and meet the ministry’s requirements.

Legend FM News has been told by the Ministry of Health that this is all in the best interest of the public as there are reports of a number of people conducting COVID tests.

They understand that some companies have also been importing their own test kits for some time now, but as of August 1st, the Fiji Medicinal Products Board has been screening the importation of all test kits.

Most of the imports so far are by companies for employee use and they have their own company doctors to conduct the test.

No direct sales to the public is allowed, if the test requires a medical professional.

Saliva test is also not recommended by the Ministry of Health, and therefore are no longer approved for importation.

The Board accepts Rapid Antigen Detection Tests that are on the WHO Emergency use listing or TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) of Australia. You can check out the list of approved test kits on our website, fijivillage.

The Board regulates medicinal products and works on the issuance of authorisation to import, distribute, retail or export medicinal products including medical devices such as the Rapid Antigen Detection Tests.

Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says if you test positive on a Rapid Diagnostic Test, you can assume that you have COVID-19 and self isolate for 14 days.

However, if you have symptoms and test negative on a Rapid Diagnostic Test you should still assume you have COVID-19 and self isolate for 14 days.

He says they know that these rapid tests have a higher risk of producing a false negative result than the gold standard molecular testing, which is used by the Ministry to confirm all negative rapid tests conducted at the screening clinics.

Doctor Fong has also clearly stated that the Rapid Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 used by some should not be conducted for persons with no symptoms (unless they are conducted on the person at regular intervals, for example, daily) and are not to be used to clear a person from isolation.

Doctor Fong says these tests are used to diagnose COVID-19 in a specific environment, and have the advantage of being able to produce a result very quickly (usually within 30 minutes or less), and can be done outside of traditional laboratory setups.

However he says they work best when the limitations of the test are clearly understood by the user.

Doctor Fong says the Ministry of Health has been telling everyone that lives in Suva-Nausori and the Western Division that if you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should assume you have COVID-19 and self isolate for 14 days, keep watch for severe COVID-19 symptoms and immediately seek emergency medical care if they are present.

FEATURE NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
83 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
83 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
83 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
83 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
83 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
94 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
94 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
98 days ago

TOP