Indigenous Medical Supplies previously only sold rapid antigen tests and personal protective equipment to wholesale customers. Now, seeing the struggle the general public faces trying to source pandemic essentials, the duo behind the business is motivated to help.
Indigenous Medical Supplies managing director Mervyn Fernando and customer service manager Kim Watkins are days away from launching a website selling RATs and PPE to general consumers.
"It’s a way of us making sure that we do our part, by leveraging our supply chain to make these products available,’’ Mr Fernando said.
“We felt that there was a gap there, particularly families missing out, travellers missing out, small to medium businesses not knowing what to source or how to source what they need.”
Mr Fernando said everyone who needed it should have access to adequate PPE and COVID-19 testing.
“If you look back at Indigenous Medical Supplies, we have a strong value to support people who are at a disadvantage, and it just comes at the core of who we are,” he said.
IMS has a variety of wholesale clients, including Aboriginal community controlled health organisations across the country, a law enforcement agency and a major financial firm in the private sector.
Closer to home it supplies RATs to Shepp Vets and Stanhope Foodworks.
Meanwhile, the general public is scrambling to find online or bricks-and-mortar stores with RATs for home use or queuing to access two free tests at Victorian Government hubs.
The Australia Federal Police announced a crackdown on RAT price gouging on January 21.
Individuals and businesses could face five years in prison or a $66,000 fine if caught re-selling COVID-19 tests for more than 20 per cent of the original retail price.
The online store will sell RATs in packs of two or 20, as well as COVID-19 ‘care packs’ for travellers and individuals, Mr Fernando said — all at fair prices.
Ms Watkins said 20-packs of RATs were already proving popular among families.
While IMS has a strong focus on supporting First Nations clients, Mr Fernando said people of all backgrounds are welcome to use the online store.
Mr Fernando said the new website — buyrapidtestkits.com.au — would launch in early February.