Use of rapid test kits defended

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion yesterday defended the use of rapid test kits to detect coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for employees, even as medical groups expressed opposition to its use as clearance to go back to work.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Concepcion, who leads the private sector initiative Project Antibody Rapid test Kit (ARK), said rapid test kits are being used by other countries which have controlled the virus.

The Go Negosyo founder also said even the Presidential Security Group uses rapid test kits for those going to Malacañang.

Given the country’s limited capacity to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, he said the private sector is using antibody rapid test kits for employees to allow them to return to work and reopen the economy.

Economic activity has been disrupted by the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Apology

Concepcion apologized for his comments on a group of doctors who have expressed opposition on the use of rapid test kits for testing employees for COVID.

“I would like to put on record that I have nothing but the utmost gratitude and admiration for the doctors and frontliners who continue to do a great service for our country during this crisis,” he said in a statement.

“We are at war with a common enemy and need to use everything in our arsenal to fight it. My goal in setting up Project Ark (Antibody Rapid test Kit) is to make all tests affordable and accessible to every Filipino,” he said.

“I apologize if my words were perceived to criticize doctors in general. I hope we will be united in our efforts. With this, I extend my deepest thanks to all frontliners that continue to go beyond the call of duty for our people. We can and we will heal as one,” he said.

Concepcion had earlier said medical societies opposing the use of antibody rapid test kits for employees returning to work were complaining but not doing anything. Cecille Suerte Felipe, Helen Flores