Government resumes funding of rapid antigen detection tests

The Government will again fund rapid antigen detection test kits (RADT), now for the entire population. The tests will be funded in full, according to an ordinance issued by the Secretary of State for Health, Diogo Serras Lopes, published in the Diário da República government gazette.

According to this new ordinance, which enters into force on 18 November and will remain in force until 31 December, without prejudice to being extended, this exceptional and temporary funding scheme is justified due to "the current epidemiological situation, which calls for an intensification of the tests screening for SARS-CoV-2, in a progressive, risk-proportionate way, which may contribute to strengthening controlling the Covid-19 pandemic".

In this context, as a measure to reinforce the protection of public health, it is imperative that we ensure the population has access to rapid antigen detection test kits (RADT), of professional grade, envisaging an exceptional funding scheme for RADTs on National Health Service (NHS) patients, and set a special scheme for ceilings for funding.

This funding is limited to a maximum of four tests per month per patient. Just as what happened before, tests can only be done in pharmacies and labs that are duly authorized by the Health Regulator (ERS). The list of entities that join this initiative will be posted on the NHS website, as well as the INFARMED website.

Funding these tests, even in a scenario where more than 86% of the population is fully vaccinated, intends to make it easier for citizens to have access to these tests in situations where they have to be screened, according to standard 019/2020. 

Reactivating the exceptional and temporary scheme for funding RADTs seeks to contribute to the early detection and isolation of cases, prevent and mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections in health services and vulnerable populations, as well as reduce and control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections and monitor the Covid-19 epidemiological evolution.

Just as was the case before, operationalizing and implementing this ordinance will be governed by Information Circular no. 08/CD/100.20.200, of 30 June.