YANGON—Nine People's Hospitals in Yangon Region yesterday started the Antigen Test Kit for COVID-19, according to Dr Tun Myint, Head of Yangon Region Public Health Department.

The nine hospitals are Yangon General Hospital, North Oakkalapa Hospital, New Yangon General Hospital, Thingangyun Hospital, Insein People's Hospital, Yangon West Hospital, Yangon East Hospital, Hlaingthayar Hospital and Thanlyin Hospital.

Dr Tun Myint said that first priority would be given to healthcare workers, COVID-19 suspected patients, the patients that has to undergo emergency operations and or in a urgent medical situation such as giving birth to a baby as well as first primary contacts with COVID-19 patients for COVID-19 test using the antigen test kits.

Myanmar has imported 200,000 Antigen test kits from South Korea to test COVID-19 rapidly and qualitatively.

Now, the test kits will be used in hospitals in townships and districts and as a result, the number of patients will be increased and treatment can be provided to them quickly and so the number of those clear from the virus will be higher according to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on her speech to public concerning the latest situation of COVID-19 in Myanmar on September 28th.

The Antigen test kits are able to produce results in 20 to 30 minutes.

"If testing of COVID-19 with the antigen test kit launched, there may be an increase in the number of confirmed cases. So, the hospitals are now preparing measures to treat the patients. Currently, Yoma and Aung Myint Mo Housings already have been converted into 6,000-bed treatment centers. Likewise, University of Culture, Yankin Education College and Border Affairs Training School are being prepared for the patients and then the Ministry of Health and Sports already formed the Medical Care Teams," said Professor Dr Zaw Wai Soe.

He also said that the government was mobilizing a large number of health workers and preparing hospital beds, quarantine centers and medicines.

A battle against the COVID-19 was very important for them. Everybody had to join the battle and only with everyone's participation can they achieve the victory.

The total number of cases in Myanmar is now 12,425 and the fatality rate reached 284. A total of 3391 patients have recovered from COVID-19.