Govt. gazettes maximum price of PCR and antigen tests

• Rs. 6,500 for PCR test and Rs. 2,000 for antigen test

The Ministry of Health will take steps to regulate the fees charged for PCR and antigen tests performed by private sector hospitals to identify those infected with the COVID-19.

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi yesterday said the relevant Gazette notification to regulate these prices of the tests will be issued today following a special discussion with State Minister of Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna.

“The maximum price that the private sector can charge for a PCR test is Rs. 6,500 and the maximum price for an antigen test is Rs. 2,000,” she said.

State Minister Alagiyawanna said that PCR tests and antigen tests are being carried out by the private sector and investigations have revealed as well as customers have complained of varying high prices.

He said the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) officers investigated the pricing of PCR and antigen tests in 45 hospitals in 21 districts. According to their investigations, Rs. 5,500-9,750 was charged for PCR tests and antigen tests cost between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,550.