The Department of Health expressed its desire to have an executive order from the President that will regulate the price for COVID-19 swab tests in private hospitals and establishments.
This recommendation has been submitted to the Office of the President and awaiting comments from the top office, Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday. She explained there is an existing law that imposes a price ceiling on medicines, but it doesn’t cover the cost of diagnostics and professional fees.
“Nakikita nga po natin ang malaking difference between laboratories as to how much the swab testing costs,” she said.
[We can see that there is a huge difference in cost of swab tests in different laboratories.]
While there is no recommended price set yet, Vergeire said the DOH plans to conduct a survey to determine the appropriate range. She added they will consult with the Department of Trade and Industry and other experts.
