The Department of Health (DOH) has released the updated price caps for COVID-19 rapid antigen and RT-PCR testing.
Effective Sept. 6, the updated price caps for RT-PCR testing based on the Health Circular No. 2021-0374 are as follows:
- Public – ₱2,800 for plate-based; ₱2,450 for GeneXpert
- Private – ₱3,360 for plate-based; ₱2,940 for GeneXpert
- Home service – ₱1,000 for both plate-based GeneXpert
According to the circular released on Tuesday (Aug. 31), laboratories, health facilities, and other testing centers may have prices lower than the prescribed price cap for RT-PCR testing and home service fee, but no manufacturer, distributor, or testing facility should exceed the price cap.
Meanwhile, the price cap for Rapid Antigen Testing that took effect on Aug. 16 is ₱960. Of this, the testing kit can cost up to ₱500, operational cost at ₱300, and the 20% allowable mark-up is equivalent to ₱160.
Prices of COVID-19 testing and test kits are reviewed monthly by the DOH and Department of Trade and Industry. – Report from PTV News / CF – bny
