Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, RT-PCR tests remains prohibitive for most Filipinos

The country together with the rest of the world has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. And just when the Philippine government thought that the situation will truly be improving for good, the omicron variant has caused a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases especially in Metro Manila in the last two weeks.

Because of this resurgence of COVID-19 cases, it is appropriate for us to look into the current price of undergoing COVID-19 testing in the country. It is relatively easy to have yourself tested especially in private testing laboratories. However, it can cost the patient as much as P3,360 with the results available within 24-48 hours.

Prior to the Department of Health’s implementation of a price cap for COVID-19 testings, patients can be charged as high as P10,000. The current price nevertheless is still too prohibitive even here in Metro Manila where the minimum wage is at P537 per day.