NHLS receives R250 million for coronavirus test kits
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) has received a quarter of a billion rand for coronavirus test kits.
The money is from the Solidarity Fund.
The Fund's CEO Nomakhita Nqweni says the funds will enable the lab to double their test kit order.
"Enabling them to undertake the mass testing the country so desperately requires, to track the pandemic and of course, we are partnering with them in ensuring testing reaches the rural areas."
Nqweni says R900 million has gone towards procuring personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
"The results of this early response is that nearly 80% of the surgical masks and 100% of the N95 masks that are required to meet the weekly demand for healthcare workers - at least until the end of June - was secured."
She says the Fund has so far received R2.7 billions in commitments, with donations of R2.1 billion coming from South African organisations and individuals.
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