Second Cheapest In ASEAN, Indonesia's PCR Test Price Is Still Expensive?
JAKARTA - The Director of Prevention of Directly Infectious Disease Control (P2PML) of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, informed that the highest tariff limit for the Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test on the Java-Bali islands was lowered to Rp. charged a tariff of Rp. 525 thousand.
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) claims that the tariff for screening examinations for the corona virus (COVID-19) through the PCR method in Indonesia is currently the second cheapest when compared to other countries in the Southeast Asian region, aka ASEAN.
"In terms of price, our PCR test is the second cheapest after Vietnam, compared to other ASEAN countries," said Nadia in an online event broadcast through the YouTube channel Lawan Covid19 ID, Wednesday, August 18.
Nadia said that the reduction in the tariff limit for the highest RT PCR examination to 45 percent is a form of government consistency in strengthening the strategy of testing, tracing, and treatment (3T) in the country. Previously, the initial price was set by the Ministry of Health through Circular Letter number HK. 02.02/I/3713/2020 concerning the Highest Tariff Limit for Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Examination on October 5, 2020, it was known that Rp. This policy was issued by the government to continue to increase testing efforts as an effort to detect cases," said Nadia. Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health Abdul Kadir also revealed the reason for the reduction in the highest tariff limit for RT PCR examinations carried out recently, after a decrease in the price of reagents. and consumable medical materials (BMHP) ordered from manufacturers. Kadir explained, the Ministry of Health has carried out an evaluation by considering cost calculations, collection, and COVID-19 RT PCR examinations. He said the calculation included various components that were reviewed together. With this new decision, Kadir requested that all health facilities such as hospitals, laboratories, and examination facilities that have been set by the minister could comply with the highest limit of RT PCR starting from 17 August 2021.
The latest prices for PCR tests in Asean refer to the data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia:
1. Thailand IDR 1,300,000 – IDR 2,800,0002. Singapore IDR 1,600,0003. Philippines Rp.437,000 – Rp. 1,500,0004. Malaysia IDR 510,0005. Indonesia Rp495,000 - Rp525,0006. Vietnamese Rp460,000
The price is still expensive even though it has been lowered
The Head of the Health Sector of the NasDem Party's DPP, Okky Asokawati, assessed that the maximum price for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test set by the government of IDR 495 thousand to IDR 525 thousand was still considered expensive.
Although the price of PCR has decreased, this member of Commission IX of the DPR RI hopes that the price can be even cheaper. Because, he said, if you look at India, testing and tracing efforts are more effective because the price set is very cheap, namely Rp. 96 thousand. Therefore, Okky encourages the price of PCR tests to be reduced even lower. That way, it will be easier and faster for the government and the public to carry out testing. "Fast testing, fast results will also accelerate the handling of the pandemic. We pray that the pandemic will pass quickly and Indonesia will be strong, Indonesia will grow," he said.
Previously, the price of PCR in Indonesia was criticized for being much more expensive compared to other countries, such as India. The government then lowered the price of PCR. However, this decision did not stop the criticism leveled at the government. Many parties have proposed that the PCR test to detect COVID-19 be free.
Medical Device Provider Confused about Price
General Chairperson of the Association of Medical and Laboratory Equipment Company Organizations or Gakeslab, Sugihadi HW, admitted that he was confused about how to deal with the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test after the government lowered the price.
He admitted that he did not know where to get the materials to support the PCR test which was cheaper to match the newly lowered tariffs. "We are also confused about where to find the goods. "Sugihadi said virtually, Wednesday, August 18. Sugihadi stated that his party wanted to provide a low price and be able to contribute to the handling of COVID-19. However, he considered that it could not be done without any assistance from the government. He hoped that the government would reduce the costs related to the procurement of supporting materials for the PCR test. According to him, the government can reduce and even abolish taxes for medical devices. "This is our appeal. If not, the price is cheaper," he said. In line, General Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Medical Laboratory Technologists (Palteki) Atna Permana also admitted that he was confused. This is because the price is unequal to the price of the equipment he has purchased. "When there is a circular from the government, we must support it too. Those of us who already have a lot of stock have to sell how much later because if we look at the unit cost, it doesn't come in?" he said.