President Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement a price range for the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing and test kits.
Executive Order No. 118 has directed the DOH and DTI to ensure that the price must be fair to all stakeholders. Compliance with the price range will also be a requirement for the hospitals and laboratories to be able to process samples. Those who fail to do so can have their license and accreditation revoked as a COVID-19 testing center.
The DOH and DTI have also been tasked to monitor and review the price and supplies of the test kits and other basic medical supplies.
“Pursuant to the Executive Order, DOH is coordinating with DTI in drafting the implementing guidelines and in diligently reviewing considerations for determining the price range of COVID-19 testing and test kits.”
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III assured that, “given the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing state of a public health emergency, the rising cost of COVID-19 tests may prove unduly burdensome to the Filipino public in this difficult time. In protecting the public against hazards to health and safety, it becomes imperative to likewise ensure their protection against unfair and unconscionable prices of essential health services.” – Report from Mark Fetalco
