(November 04, 2020) – The Philippines has set a price cap on the cost of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after the government was swamped by complaints from the people, a senior administration official said on Wednesday.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the president has issued an executive order, asking the health department and the trade and industry department to put a price cap on COVID-19 swab tests.
“The DOH and the DTI shall ensure that the price range for COVID-19 testing and test kits is just, equitable and sensitive to all stakeholders,” Medialdea said, adding the two agencies were also directed to determine, formulate and implement a price range for COVID-19 testing conducted by hospitals, laboratories and other health establishments and facilities, including the test kits used.
The price of RT-PCR tests came into question after private laboratories were accused of exorbitantly charging returning overseas Filipinos 10,000 pesos up to 20,000 pesos for the COVID-19 tests.
The cost of the test ranges up to P4,000 depending on how fast the results are released.
COVID-19 testing has become a regular requirement for going back to work, traveling, as well as for tourism purposes as the government gradually opened the economy.
(Katrina Elaine Alba/MM)
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