Using rapid antigen test kits: Govt approves 78 pvt healthcare providers 

The government has approved 78 private healthcare organisations across the country for using rapid antigen test kits for Covid-19 tests.

The approval was issued today in an official order from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

The rapid tests can be done for patients with Covid-19 symptoms and those who came in close contact with Covid-19 patients, said the DGHS circular.

The 78 approved private organisations can use the rapid antigen kits developed by two companies -- SD Biosensor of South Korea and Panbio of the USA.

The fee for each rapid antigen Covid-19 test has been set at maximum Tk 700. 

In case of collecting samples from a patient's home, the healthcare organisations may charge an additional Tk 500 maximum fee. The additional service charge will be applicable once in every household irrespective of the number of patients.