After coronavirus, there has to be an examination of the procurement system

I can moan about all those people who profited off the coronavirus, but perhaps I should have just joined them and made millions. One thing is for sure, an inquiry is absolutely necessary, writes Chris Blackhurst

The test cost £265, extra because I wanted the result within 24 hours (AFP/Getty)

Somewhere along the way I missed my true vocation. Or perhaps I found it, but I’ve just not made as much money as others have with theirs.

This thought came to me, not for the first time it must be said, while I was queuing for a private Covid test. There was a possibility I might have to fly, and the destination country required a valid negative certificate. I was outside a church hall near where I live. Cars were coming and going, dropping off and collecting people having, and paying for, tests. It was a steady stream. When it was my turn, I had to pay £265 – it was extra because I wanted the result within 24 hours. My credit card was swiped, I was pointed in the direction of a cubicle, a woman in a blue uniform stuck a swab up my nose and in the back of my throat. All done, in and out of the building in less than 10 minutes. As I left, more people were arriving and waiting.

Let me see, let’s allow £265 for a 10-minute slot, two folks doing the tests, 10 hours a day - £31,800 a day. Seven days a week. There were three staff booking appointments, filling in the forms and taking the money. Then there’s the laboratory and the equipment to pay for. But whichever way you cut it, the profits must be huge. It’s been like that for months and the longer the vaccine takes to roll out to the masses, it is going to stay like that for a while.