Distribution of 30 Million Self-Test Kits to Pharmacies and Convenience Stores by the End of This Month

MFDS to Supply 24 Million Doses to Public Including Screening Clinics and Vulnerable Groups

On the 28th, medical staff at the temporary screening clinic at Seoul Station, where PCR tests and rapid antigen tests are set to be conducted simultaneously, are organizing rapid antigen test kits. This initiative focuses on COVID-19 screening clinics installed nationwide at public health centers and large hospitals. From the 29th to the 2nd of next month, a five-day practice period will be held with both tests being performed. Starting from the 3rd, not only screening clinics but also 204 temporary screening clinics nationwide and some hospitals and clinics participating in COVID-19 care, such as respiratory specialized clinics, will join the new testing system. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 13th that it will supply 30 million COVID-19 self-test kits available for individual purchase to pharmacies and convenience stores nationwide by the end of this month.

During the same period, approximately 24 million kits will also be supplied to public sectors such as screening clinics and vulnerable groups.

The Ministry explained that in the past two weeks (January 29 to February 13), a total of 35.46 million self-test kits were supplied: 10.86 million kits to screening clinics and 24.6 million kits to pharmacies and online shopping malls.

Due to the ban on online sales of self-test kits for three weeks starting today, the 30 million kits available for individual purchase this time can only be bought at pharmacies and convenience stores. However, the start time and supply period may vary by convenience store branch.

The purchase quantity is limited to 5 kits per person per transaction, but individuals are not restricted from purchasing multiple times at different locations.

The Ministry emphasized that it is working with self-test kit manufacturers to increase production and simplify distribution channels so that individuals can purchase self-test kits at reasonable prices when needed and conduct tests.

Additionally, in March, more than double the supply volume of February, totaling 190 million self-test kits, will be supplied to both public and private sectors.

A Ministry official stated, "There is sufficient supply for COVID-19 testing, so individuals do not need to purchase excessively in advance," and added, "Testing is available free of charge at public health center screening clinics and temporary screening clinics."

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