The Ministry of Health’s screening programme for colon cancer has prompted concerns among citizens after reports emerged of expired consumables being sent to participants.
- The Ministry of Health's screening programme for colon cancer has prompted concerns among citizens after reports emerged of expired consumables being sent to participants.
- Those who received their kits on time but chose not to proceed with the examination can also ask for replacements. The Ministry is aware of the situation and is taking steps to address the issue.
Individuals aged 50 to 70 began receiving envelopes containing essential supplies for their colonoscopy examinations. However, many recipients were alarmed to find that the vials included in the kits bore an expiration date of June 2026. This has led some to question the reliability of the tests, with several contacting the Ministry to express their worries.
To complete the procedure, participants must collect a feces sample and return it using the provided vial. The discovery of expired goods has caused hesitation among some citizens, who are concerned about the accuracy of their test results. Many have sought advice from their doctors regarding the safety of proceeding with the examination despite the expiration date.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the possibility that some expired products may have been dispatched. They attributed this issue to delays in postal delivery, which can result in envelopes arriving after the expiration date. Approximately 10,000 envelopes were sent out in recent months, and due to the staggered delivery, some citizens received their kits late.
The Ministry has reached out to the manufacturing company, which indicated that the vials maintain a safe “life” of up to one month beyond their expiration date. Citizens wishing to participate in the screening programme can contact the Ministry to request new consumables, alleviating concerns about the reliability of their test results.
Those who received their kits on time but chose not to proceed with the examination can also ask for replacements. The Ministry is aware of the situation and is taking steps to address the issue.
Additionally, the Ministry has faced another challenge, with hundreds of returned consumables from a previous mailing in April. This situation arose due to recipients changing addresses or having their personal doctor’s office incorrectly registered as their address in the General Healthcare System (GESY). As a result, some products were sent back to the Ministry.
Reports suggest that around 1,000 files have already been returned. Compounding these issues, the screening programme is now on hold until mid-autumn due to the high temperatures that could compromise the safety of the fecal samples.
