The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has answered allegations regarding overpriced testing packages.
PhilHealth President Ricardo Morales clarified the Php 8,150 price was based on the situation in March when the supply of the testing kit was lower amid high demand.
PhilHealth disclosed it also has a testing package that costs Php 2,700 in which donated test kits are used. The price only increases to Php 8,150 if the kits are bought by hospitals.
Morales also cited the limited number of laboratories in March which receives samples and the cost of transporting samples which must be preserved.
Morales clarified the government has no loss since no money has been released yet. No COVID-19 test claims from hospitals have been paid yet. PhilHealth assured the Php 8,150 testing package price might be slashed in half as it is set to release new rates by end of May.
