FEARS that Scotland's free COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) program might be scrapped and will force consumers to pay for the devices in the future, has prompted a run on the products in pharmacies.
Local banner group, CA Mackie Pharmacies told Glasgow Live that it has had to put restrictions in place to limit how many kits people could pick up, after British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced the free RAT program will come to an end on 01 Apr in England.
One of the group's owners, Professor Clare Mackie, said there has been a "doubling if not tripling" of demand for RATs since news the patients in England will be charged $36.75 for a pack of seven tests.
"It would appear stockpiling is rife," she said.
"Pharmacies can currently give out tests without any information, but as of 01 Apr we are reverting back to the previous system of getting all patient details for test provision."
While the scheme is set to be abandoned in England, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has yet to say if her government will follow suit.
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