Japanese Government: "Performance Evaluation Required if Korea Provides COVID-19 Test Kits"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] It is reported that the Japanese government holds the position that a preliminary performance evaluation must be conducted regarding the provision of South Korea's novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits.

On the 28th, Asahi Shimbun reported that if gene amplification (PCR) test kits are to be supported from South Korea, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan needs to conduct a performance evaluation for domestic use, according to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Since the specifics of South Korea's test kits are not fully understood, it must be confirmed whether they have accuracy equivalent to the PCR tests conducted in Japan before they can be used.

Additionally, although there is some shortage of reagents used in PCR tests from certain manufacturers, Japanese authorities do not expect an overall shortage situation, Asahi added.

The Japanese government has not officially requested support from South Korea regarding COVID-19, and the South Korean government is also reportedly not considering providing support. However, even if support is pursued, it is anticipated that consultations will not be simple due to procedural issues within Japan.

Earlier, Asahi cited remarks from a senior South Korean government official reporting that the South Korean government is considering supporting test kits to Japan. However, a source familiar with Korea-Japan relations explained, "The Japanese government has never officially requested support related to COVID-19 from South Korea, and the South Korean government is not reviewing support on the premise of providing it."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also denied the Asahi report at a press conference the previous day, stating that there have been no concrete discussions with the South Korean government regarding support.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.