Good news! It’s time for another government backpedal! After revealing to you on Friday that the government approved a tender for R22,5 million to supply banned HIV Testing kits, the decision has been reversed. The tender process is now also under scrutiny.

On Thursday last week the Treasury revealed that 4,5 million SD Bioline HIV testing kits had been supplied to the public health sector. This in spite of ban by the World Health Organisation against the kits. Government did its own testing on the kits, and determined that they were okay.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has now told public hospitals and clinics to disregard all previous statements and NOT use the kits until such time as the WHO determines if they are accurate or not.

Over the weekend, it was also decided by treasury to look into the tender process for any irregularities. An update from treasury should be available within the week.

[Source: EWN]