Gov’t Cuts Price Ceiling for RT-PCR Test
Ministry of Health announced that the Government has decided to cut the price ceiling for RT-PCR (real time-polymerase chain reaction) test in the islands of Java and Bali and regions outside the two islands.
As of Wednesday (10/27), the highest tariff for RT-PCR test has been set at a maximum of Rp275,000 for regions in Java and Bali islands, and Rp300,000 for regions outside the two islands.
The price ceiling for RT-PCR test is stipulated in the Circular Letter of Director General of Health Services Number HK.02.02/1/3843/2021 on the Highest Tariff Limit for Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test.
“Based on the evaluation results, we agree to lower the highest tariff for RT-PCR test,” Director General of Health Services Abdul Kadir said in a virtual press statement.
The tariff reduction from the initial price of Rp495,000 for RT-PCR test in the islands of Java and Bali and Rp525,000 for regions outside the two islands is a follow-up to the instruction of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
“The result of the RT-PCR test under the new tariff must be issued within a maximum period of 1 x 24 hours after the swab test is carried out,” Kadir said.
According to him, previously Ministry of Health had conducted a joint evaluation with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) by taking into account the costs for a RT-PCR test that consisted of several components, including the services/human resources, reagent components and consumable items (BHP), administrative components, overhead, and other cost components that are adjusted to the current conditions. All healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, laboratories, and other health facilities are urged to apply the highest RT-PCR tariff as set by the Ministry.
If there is a laboratory that does not follow the price ceiling set by the Government, regency/city health offices are expected to handle this problem. Any laboratories that do not meet the requirements may also be subject to sanctions up to the revocation of their operating license.
“We urge all provincial, regency and city health offices to supervise the implementation of the highest tariff for RT-PCR test according to their respective authorities,” Kadir said. (PR of Ministry of Health/UN) (RIF/MMB)
