MANILA, Philippines — Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Mike Defensor is seeking an explanation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the “indiscriminate approval” of several coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid test kit (RTK) brands despite not being endorsed in their home countries. Specifically, Defensor sought the explanation of DOH Undersecretary and FDA Director-General Rolando Enrique Domingo as well as FDA Director Bayani C. San Juan. “The problem is it approved the sale of RTK brands even though these were not approved by FDA from their respective home countries,” he added. However, Defensor said that the 16 RTKs approved by the FDA were not endorsed by regulators in their home countries. “It is important that the FDA regulate the RTK brands sold in the market to ensure equality and protect corporations and individuals using these products,” the lawmaker added.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 11, 2020 04:30 UTC