DOH wants Duterte to regulate price for COVID-19 swab tests

The Department of Health has recommended that President Rodrigo Duterte issue an executive order to mandate a price ceiling for COVID-19 swab tests in private hospitals and laboratories

Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said they are waiting for the response of the Office of the President. 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. [Translation: We can see that there is a huge difference in cost of swab tests in different laboratories.] Vergeire said there is no recommended price set yet, but the DOH will conduct a survey to determine the range. She added they will consult with the Department of Trade and Industry and other experts.

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