Australians frustrated with supply issues of vital rapid antigen tests have been forced to ship the kits from Thailand where they cost $4 and are readily available.
One desperate Aussie took to Twitter to reveal how she planned to get her hands on the highly sought-after tests in the face of a contentious nationwide shortage.
'My brother is visiting my mum at the moment (she lives in Thailand) and I've asked that he brings back some RATs because a) they're readily available in Thailand and b) they cost about $4 each,' the woman wrote.
'The Thai government has regulated the prices of at-home testing kits so that there's no price gouging and made millions of them available for free.'
Australians frustrated with the glacial rollout of vital rapid antigen tests have been forced to ship the kits from Thailand where they cost $4 and are readily available
One desperate Aussie took to Twitter to reveal how she planned to get her hands on the highly sought-after tests in the face of a contentious nationwide shortage (pictured)
Other internet users were quick to share their opinions on the bungled rapid antigen test situation amid the emergence of the highly-infectious Omicron strain.
'As it should be here. RAT tests were $55 on December 23 and now (if you can get them) $125 for the same product,' one person replied.
Another user claimed the Singapore government gave out six free rapid antigen tests to every household between August and September.
'Another free ten kits in November to December. Now the prices of RAT cost about $4.50 each and easily available in every pharmacy and supermarkets,' they said.
The UK Government has similarly been mailing free rapid tests people's homes since April however this method is yet to be adopted in Australia.
The desperate measures come as reports reveal the self-test kits are costing the average Australian $100 a unit as shortages cause prices to skyrocket.
The desperate measures come as reports reveal the self-test kits are costing the average Australian $100 a unit as shortages cause prices to skyrocket (pictured, a Sydney pharmacy)
Rapid tests are free at testing centres but cost at least $10 per swab at pharmacies and supermarkets, which are low on stock due to a lack of supply (pictured, lines for tests)
Rapid tests are free at testing centres but cost at least $10 per swab at pharmacies and supermarkets, which are low on stock due to a lack of supply.
NSW and Victorian state governments have both ordered tens of millions of the devices however the tests are not due to arrive until the end of January.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet pledged last week the state would provide rapid antigen tests for returning travellers into Sydney.
'In addition to that, we want to make sure vulnerable people – vulnerable and disadvantaged communities – have access to rapid antigen tests,' he said.
'We're working through, currently, the distribution and the cohorts which we believe that those rapid antigen tests will be provided.'
