CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- After conducting a market survey, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have released the price range of the COVID-19 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing at ₱3,800 for public laboratories and between ₱4,500 to ₱5,000 for private laboratories.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III disclosed that the range is evidence-based and is in accordance with the recommendation of experts. It covers testing inputs, swab, universal transport medium, extraction kits, and machine and overhead cost.
“Ang dahilan nga ay napakalawak ng pagkakaiba ng mga singilan for RT-PCR ng mga iba’t ibang laboratoryo, ospital, mga iba pang kakayahang magsagawa ng RT-PCR testing,” Duque said.
The official explained that the imposed pricing will prevent market abuse after some private laboratories raised concern on the matter.
The Joint Administrative Order was signed on Nov. 24 and will be effective 15 days after its publication. There will be a monitoring and evaluation unit to check the compliance of laboratories. Violators of the newly established pricing may face suspension and revocation of their licenses as COVID-19 testing laboratories.
Meanwhile, the DOH announced that the British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca has officially applied to conduct its third phase of clinical trials in the Philippines. (PIA NCR
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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