DOH, DTI: Labs can charge RT-PCR test at prices lower than rate set by gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — Public and private laboratories are allowed to charge Covid-19 tests at prices lower than the cap set by the government.

This was clarified Friday by the Department of Health (DOH) and  Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as both noted that some laboratories have been hesitant to lower their prices for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test because of the reference amount indicated in DOH Circular No. 2020-0391.

“[T]his is allowed, provided that the quality of service is maintained,” the two government agencies stressed in a joint statement.

DOH and DTI assured that no penalty will be imposed on laboratories that would lower their rates for RT-PCR tests. Both said punishment will only apply to laboratories that charge more than the imposed maximum price cap of P5,000.00 for private laboratories and P3,800.00 for public laboratories.

“Further, it must be noted that the amounts indicated as price caps are subject to periodic review and may change depending on prevalent economic factors,” the joint statement also read.

DOH and DTI said they will continue to monitor, evaluate, and enforce the government-set prices to ensure that Covid-19 testing will remain affordable and of quality in the country.

KGA