EFFECTIVE September 6, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) has set a new price cap for RT-PCR testing, noting that some people have decided to forego of the test due to its high price.
The RT-PCR is considered as the gold standard in Covid-19 testing.
Under DOH circular No. 2021-0323:
■ Price Cap for Cost of Procedure in public laboratories – P2,800 (plate based), P2,450 (GeneXpert, cartridge based)
■ Price Cap for Cost of Procedure in private (with 20 percent allowable markup)—P3,360 (plate based), P2,940 (GeneXpert,
cartridge based)
■ Price Cap for Home Service- P1,000 for both (plate based and GenExpert, cartridge based)
Prior to the issuance of Circular No. 2021-0323, the cost of RT-PCR testing was between P3,800 in most public laboratories, and up to P5,000 in private laboratories.
“All Covid-19 testing laboratories, health facilities, and centers are to strictly comply with this price cap,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.