JAKARTA - The government has again lowered the price of PCR tests to ease the burden on people who want to travel and revive the economic sector. Previously, the PCR test rate, which was pegged at around IDR 495,000, is now set to IDR 275,000 in Java and Bali and IDR 300 thousand outside Java-Bali after protests by a number of parties.
Unfortunately, this policy does not synergize with PCR test service providers. This is because the change in the highest tariff decided by the government does not involve hospitals, associations of doctors related to COVID-19. The decision to reduce the price of PCR tests is considered unilateral by the government. Not without reason, the prices set by the government have decreased quite drastically, and there is no intention of subsidizing consumables from the government. health workers and independent laboratory raw materials.
A representative from Bumame Pharmacy, Nathasa Febrina said, considering their consideration as health service providers, it is necessary to hold a hearing meeting between PCR service providers and the government, and socialization is needed if the government wants to review Swab Test rates.
This is in order to find a middle ground regarding the assessment of PCR prices that are affordable for all people. So that the government can provide alternative solutions related to reagent raw materials and the majority of other raw materials that are still imported. Nathasa said in his statement, Thursday, October 28.
This instruction also drew criticism from Epidemiologists. Experts believe that the government should review the decision because of the huge risks that could be experienced by the wider community. “Government policies are like a bargain. The government should review this policy and not lower the price," said FKM UI epidemiologist Tri Yunis Wahyono.
DPR: The cost of the PCR test should be borne by the state
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the DPR RI PKS Faction Netty Prasetiyani, assessed that the cost of the PCR test should be borne by the state, not the people. Because the use of PCR tests is in the government's interest to control the pandemic by prioritizing the precautionary principle. "It should not be the people who bear the high price, but the government is present in the community with the authority and authority to control prices and ensure there are no stowaways or other parties. who deliberately seek profit in the midst of the national disaster of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Netty, Thursday, October 28. According to the PKS politician, the repeated price declines of up to Rp275,000 in the near future have fueled the public's assumption that there is an economic motive behind it. "What is the actual unit cost of a PCR test?" asked this member of Commission IX DPR RI.
Netty said that repeated price reductions would not solve the existing problem. So, it is hoped that the government will soon bear the cost of the PCR test.
"Reduced prices do not solve the problem because the policy has caused quite a commotion, there is even a petition that has been signed by more than 40 thousand people," said Netty.
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