LAHORE: The Punjab Healthcare Commission on Wednesday has fixed maximum price of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test of suspected Covid-19 patients at Rs6,500.

The price was revised following the complaints by the poor and middle class people who objected to the high cost of the test that varies from Rs8,000 to Rs9,500.

In a letter, the PHC told all the private laboratories, collection centres and hospital labs of the province that the maximum price of the PCR test, which is the only diagnostic test for Covid-19, would be Rs6,500.

The commission has directed the private sector health facilities not to charge more than the fixed amount for the test.

The healthcare facilities have also been warned against violating the PHC orders.

The letter warns that violations will entail penal consequences, including fine, suspension of services, cancellation of registration and sealing of the premises.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2020