Covid - 19 test kits vending machine
With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the medical field is facing many difficulties and challenges. To reduce the burden on the health industry, some countries such as Japan and the United States have distributed Covid-19 test kits through vending machine systems and quickly received positive feedback from citizens.
Why can test kits vending machines become an effective solution in the fight against the pandemic? Let's find out with Dropfoods through the following article.
1. The appearance of vending machines providing Covid-19 test kits
Known as the country of vending machines, Japan has used its strengths as a useful method in the fight against the Coronavirus.
With the desire to save costs, resources, speed up the testing scale and repel the pandemic, in early 2021, Mr. Hideki Takemura - director of Laketown Takenoko otorhinolaryngology clinic in Tokyo has pioneered the distribution of Covid-19 test kits through a system of 7 vending machines installed in the area and received great support from the citizens. Some machines even have to replenish test kits twice a day.
Besides Japan, Wellness 4 Humanity - an American start-up company has cooperated with medical device company Spectrum Solutions, and technology software and services company Swyft to provide RT-PCR test kits for sale through vending machine systems. New York and Oakland International Airport are the first two locations to install this model. It is expected that there will be 1,000 machines installed in the near future.
2. Benefits of Covid test kits vending machines
For the medical industry
The implementation of the distribution of Covid-19 test kits through vending machine systems will reduce the public's dependence on hospitals and clinics, helping to reduce the burden on the health industry.
Presently, doctors and medical staff will no longer be exhausted while testing, screening, and supporting the isolation of infected and suspected cases.
Moreover, the distribution of test kits through the vending machine system will help promote the scale of testing, detect infected cases earlier, thereby reducing the spread in the community, forming an outbreak, helping medical forces and appropriate authorities to be more proactive in epidemic prevention.
For the citizen
In addition to the benefits for the health industry and appropriate authorities, the appearance of the Covid-19 test kits vending machine also creates convenience for the citizens. From now on, they will no longer have to go directly to the hospital or clinic but can buy test kits at the vending kiosk.
This model helps them save time, eliminate the inconvenience and risk of having to stand in line, and be in close contact with others including medical staff.
Furthermore, the fact that test kits are tested by the Ministry of Health and appropriate authorities before being distributed through vending machines will help people avoid buying fake and unknown test kits.
3. Covid-19 test kits distributed through vending machines usage
In Japan, people just need to buy a test kit at a vending machine and take a saliva sample at home. Then send it to the local health authorities and the medical staff will send the result via email. Each machine will contain 60 test kits for about 40 USD per kit.
Unlike Japan, users in the United States must purchase an RT-PCR test kit online at the Wellness 4 Humanity website. A QR code will be sent to the consumer after purchasing. Then they just need to go to the vending machine and scan the code to receive the test kit. Each set is being sold from 119 to 149 USD.
In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic’s complicated developments, the shortage of vaccine supply is a complex issue for world health officials. The implementation of providing Covid-19 test kits via vending machine model is a great solution for timely detection and prevention of the spread of infection in the community.
In Vietnam, vending machines have now become a popular shopping form during social distancing. Retailers can consider applying for the right to distribute test kits at vending machine systems to help reduce the burden on health agencies and generate revenue from this model.
Reference Links:
Ikoba, Jed John. “Japan deploys vending machines to help scale up COVID-19 testing in a safe manner.” GIZMOCHINA, 2021, https://www.gizmochina.com/2021/03/08/japan-deploys-vending-machines-to-help-scales-up-covid-19-testing-is-a-safe-manner/. Accessed 08 03 2021.