DOH lowers price cap on antigen tests, self-administered test kits

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday announced it has lowered the price cap on antigen testing services and self-administered antigen test kits.

Under Department Circular 2021-0323-B, the DOH has lowered the price of an antigen rapid diagnostic test kit to P350 from the previous P500.

This brought down the price cap of antigen testing service to P660 from P960.

“Antigen rapid diagnostic test kits subsidized or donated by the DOH and other government agencies to DOH licensed public and private health facilities and clinical laboratories shall be provided at zero cost to individuals,” it said.

The DOH also said that DOH-licensed health facilities and clinical laboratories may have prices lower than the prescribed price cap.

Similarly, the price cap for a self-administered antigen test kit was set at P350.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two self-administered COVID-19 antigen test kits from Abbott and Labnovation Technologies, Inc.

According to the Health department, the price caps will be effective starting Sunday, February 20.—AOL, GMA News