Coronavirus: Kenyan Clinic on the Spot for Selling Fake Test Kits

A Kenyan clinic is on the spot for selling counterfeit coronavirus test kits to members of the public. Avane cosmetics dermatology clinic and medical spa in Hurlingham, Nairobi was caught on the spot for taking advantage of the situation in the country by selling fake coronavirus testing kits to undoubtful Kenyans.

A raid conducted by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council officials to the Avane premises on Monday, March 16, 2020, revealed that the Covid19 test kits sold by the facility were fake and members of the public were advised to be aware.

Avane was advertising their ‘fake coronavirus test kits through posters where they gave Kenyans mouthwatering promises.

In their adverts, Avane stated that the coronavirus test kits were able to give results in 15 minutes and thus help people get early diagnoses, awareness, and immediate medical attention if found positive.

One coronavirus test kit was retailing at 3000 shillings and individuals were also advised to send their payments through M-Pesa so as to avoid the long queues and crowds at the facility.

“We are already at the facility and they will not stock the kits anymore,” Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council CEO Daniel Yumbya told Standard Digital.

The Kenya Association of Clinical Pathologists also confirmed that the kits sold by Avane were counterfeit.

Avane revealed through their poster that only 400 kits were remaining. If this is true, then Health officials were obviously late.

The raid comes after the president advised that agencies and businessmen should not take advantage of the situation to hike prices and con Kenyans.

The President warned that Health Officials and Competition officials will be dispatched and the necessary actions would be taken against individuals that would be found taking advantage of the coronavirus outbreak in the country to harass Kenyans.

In case a person is having suspicious symptoms, he or she should call the Division of Disease Surveillance and Response through a toll-free line 0800 721 316 or the hotlines +254 729 471 414/+254 732 353 535 in order to prevent potential spread of the virus. The response team will advise you on the next move you should take.

Meanwhile, take all the precautionary measures to avoid contracting the virus. #StaySafe!

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