Starting Today, PCR Test Prices Drop to Rp500 Thousand, and the Results Can Come Out Faster

Kapanlagi.com - Good news comes from the government coinciding with the celebration of the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. More precisely, the President gave directions to reduce the price of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.

According to these directions, the government will lower the highest tariff for real-time PCR (RT-PCR) examination to Rp495,000 for the Java-Bali region, and Rp525,000 for outside Java-Bali.

Effective from August 17, 2021

Furthermore, the reduction in the highest tariff for real-time PCR (RT-PCR) examination will be effective from August 17, 2021. Not only that, through the same policy, the government also regulates that PCR test results must be issued within a maximum duration of 1x24 hours.

"According to the direction of Mr. President, in order to increase the number and encourage testing implementation, the government has rearranged the price of PCR tests, so now it has decreased by around 45% from the previous highest price limit," said the Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G.Plate, regarding this good news.

Menkominfo also added that examination results can be obtained by the public faster, so that confirmed cases can be followed up immediately.

The Government Continues to Evaluate the Price of RT-PCR Tests

The announcement of the policy to lower the highest limit of the RT-PCR test price was conveyed by Prof.dr.Abdul Kadir, Ph.D.Sp.THT-KL(K) M.A.R.S. Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health.

Together with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the Ministry of Health has conducted an evaluation regarding the latest operational costs of PCR testing. The government will continue to evaluate and periodically review the maximum price limit for the test based on existing dynamics.

PCR Test Part of the 3T Approach

PCR testing is one of the references used to diagnose whether someone is infected with the Corona virus. Testing is part of the 3T approach (test, trace, treat) encouraged by the government to map the spread patterns of Covid-19 and inhibit transmission rates.

Previously, the government through the Ministry of Health has set the maximum price limit for PCR testing through Circular Letter Number HK. 02.02/I/3713/2020 regarding the Maximum Tariff Limit for Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) examination at Rp900,000.

There are Conditions for Cheap PCR Tests

The tariff limit applies to the public who undergo RT-PCR testing on their own request or independently. The maximum tariff limit does not apply to contact tracing activities or Covid-19 case referrals to hospitals, which receive RT-PCR testing assistance from the government or as part of patient financing guarantees.

In his statement, Director General Abdul Kadir also mentioned that the previous price of PCR tests was quite high because the unit cost was adjusted to the prices of the materials needed, which were quite high during the early stages of the pandemic.

Reasons for Different Prices Outside Java-Bali

The maximum price limit for RT-PCR testing, which will be effective from August 17, 2021, will be stated in a Circular Letter from the Ministry of Health. The maximum price limit for PCR tests outside Java-Bali is different from that in Java-Bali because it takes into account transportation cost variables. Supervision and guidance for healthcare units providing PCR testing services will be carried out by the respective regional health offices.

Minister Johnny added that if PCR tests become cheaper and faster, it will certainly facilitate those in need. "The health protection of the people during the Covid-19 pandemic has always been the top priority. Hopefully, this good policy can motivate more people to proactively undergo independent testing, so that Indonesia can recover from the pandemic faster," he added.

The Minister of Communications and Information also hopes for support and cooperation from all parties, so that with good intentions, they can comply with the new policies set, allowing more people to access PCR tests and receive test results faster.

(kly/tmi)