No penalties for lowering price of COVID-19 testing —DOH, DTI

The Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday said laboratories can charge patients for COVID-19 testing at a price lower than the government mandated price range without incurring any penalties.

In a joint statement, the DOH and DTI clarified that private and public laboratories may charge patients for COVID-19 testing at a price lower than the reference price indicated in DOH Circular No. 2020-0391.

This is “relative to arising issues that some laboratories are hesitant to lower their prices below the stated reference price.”

Under the DOH Circular No. 2020-0391, plate based RT-PCR test for private laboratories should range from P4,500 to 5,000 while those from public laboratories is capped at P3,800.

The DTI and DOH said charging RT-PCR test at much lower than the price range is allowed, “provided that the quality of service is maintained.”

The agencies also assure that no sanctions will be imposed on those who wish to lower their prices.

“However, those who will overcharge above the maximum price cap of PhP 5,000.00 for private laboratories and PhP 3,800.00 for public laboratories will be penalized,” the DOH and DTI said.

“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 agencies said.

The DOH and DTI said they recognize that Filipinos should be protected from undue financial risks when availing of the RT-PCR testing, which is an essential service in this time of public health emergency.

“Hence, we will continue to monitor, evaluate, and enforce these prices to ensure that COVID-19 testing remains affordable and of quality,” the agencies said. -MDM, GMA News