THE Department of Health has lowered the price cap for the conduct of RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests for COVID-19 effective September 6.
For public facilities, the DOH said, testing must not cost more than P2,800 for plate-based, and P2,450 for cartridge-based testing.
For private facilities, the cap for swab testing is P3,360 for plate-based and P2,940 for cartridge-based testing. They are, however, allowed to have 20 percent markup.
For home services, the DOH said the additional cost must not be more than P1,000.
“Laboratories, health facilities, and other testing centers may have prices lower than the prescribed price cap for RT-PCR testing and home service fee provided that quality of services are maintained. However, no manufacturer, distributor, or testing facility should exceed the price cap,” the DOH said.
In November 2020, the DOH said private laboratories can charge RT-PCR tests for a minimum of P4,500 to a maximum of P5,000.
On the other hand, all public laboratories were told then they can charge swab tests for a flat rate of P3,800.
To note, Executive Order No. 118 mandates the DOH to determine and implement a price cap for COVID-19 testing conducted by hospitals, laboratories, and other health establishments and facilities.
