We will also reduce the price of rapid antigen swab test.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned pharmaceutical firm PT Kimia Farma Tbk has lowered the price for a PCR swab test to Rp495 thousand, from Rp900 thousand earlier.

The decision was made on the basis of a circular letter of the Health Ministry's Health Service Directorate General on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test ceiling price, effective since August 17, 2021.

"Kimia Farma has directly implemented the government's directive on reduction in the price of the PCR test as part of our commitment to providing the best possible service to the public," its President Director, Verdi Budidarmo, noted in a statement here on Wednesday.

According to Budidarmo, the price cut will make it easier for the public to access COVID-19 testing that will ultimately improve the country's health condition.

Acting President Director of PT Kimia Farma Diagnostika Agus Chandra confirmed that in addition to reducing the price for PCR test, the company will slash the price of rapid antigen swab test.


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"We will also reduce the price of the rapid antigen swab test," he remarked.

Chandra remarked that for the regular rapid antigen test, the price will be lowered, from Rp190 thousand to Rp85 thousand, while the test using the Abbot Panbio reagent will be cut, from Rp190 thousand to Rp125 thousand.

Chandra made assurance of the company’s consistent professionality in conducting PCR and rapid antigen test.


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"Kimia Farma is ready to help the government in conducting COVID-19 testing," he remarked.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had earlier called to slash the price of PCR test to at most Rp550 thousand and the results be made available in less than 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to recommend PCR as the gold standard test for SARS-CoV-2.

A reduction in the price of PCR test will help the government to expand its tracing and testing capacity as the key measures in battling the pandemic.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021