HCMC – The highest price of quick Covid-19 testing services will be cut by over 50% to VND109,700 per test, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Health on November 8.

Under the circular, which takes effect tomorrow, November 10, the price of a real-time PCR test will be capped at VND518,400, the local media reported. Since July 1, each quick and real-time PCR test price has cost VND238,000 and VND734,000, respectively, at the highest. The Ministry of Health also intervened in the test price of group samples. Accordingly, the highest price will be VND538,000, divided equally among the owners of the samples. According to the Ministry of Health, the price of quick testing services includes taking and preserving samples, conducting tests and producing test results and the salaries of those taking the tests. The depreciation and management costs have yet to be taken into account. As for real-time RT-PCR tests, the price includes the cost of taking and preserving samples and conducting the tests. The ministry also asked hospitals and clinics to purchase materials, equipment, chemicals and test kits in line with the Bidding Law. Inspections into medical centers’ compliance with regulations on pricing and bidding must be enhanced and violators must be handled to prevent unreasonable high prices of testing services. Moreover, the ministry is completing a draft decree on the management of medical equipment and services, including Covid-19 test kits and testing services, to save costs for medical centers and residents while ensuring the quality of test kits. According to the Ministry of Health, last year and early this year, the major spikes in Covid-19 cases in many countries pushed up the demand for testing while Covid-19 test kits were in short supply. As a result, the prices of test kits and testing services were running high.