Lowering of PCR test prices welcomed
The Council for Medical Schemes has welcomed a decision by two private laboratories to reduce the price of their Covid-19 PCR tests.
It asked the Competition Commission to investigate
how much private labs were charging people per test.
Lancet and Ampath have now agreed to lower their costs from R850 to R500, inclusive of VAT.
The Commission's Thembikosi Bonakele said at a press conference on Sunday there were price abuse concerns.
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"It was observed that private pathology laboratories have experienced substantial cost reductions in conducting Covid-19 PCR tests and were processing significant volumes, especially during infection waves.
“The commission's investigation also revealed that the pathology groups have been earning significant profits in March 2020, especially in the current financial year to date.
John Letsoalo from the Council for Medical Schemes confirmed have had some issues with the price, and they did receive complaints.
"That's why we lodged a complaint in the competition commission because they were the custodian who had to issue and investigate. We feel like our complaint was resolved properly.”
