Tangerang (ANTARA) - The Tangerang district government of Banten Province has regulated a new price for the PCR swab test service, from the earlier Rp495 thousand to Rp275 thousand at all health facilities in the area.

"We are following the central government's regulation to reduce the PCR test price to Rp 275 thousand," Head of the Health Service Division from the Tangerang District Health Service, Faridz, stated in Tangerang on Friday.

The new price policy is a positive development to facilitate in the tracing, testing, and treatment (3T) procedure in Tangerang District. The new PCR test price will push the community to undergo PCR swab tests, he noted.

"This is a positive thing, as it can help us in conducting the 3T procedure. With a lower price, there will be more demand for PCR," Faridz stated.

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Regarding the price reduction, his side had also informed each health facility providing PCR services by posting the announcement of the price through social media.

The new PCR test price was expected to increase people's mobility, including for meetings, traveling, and other activities, which necessitate a COVID-19 test to be conducted for their own safety, he remarked.

"However, this new price applies to self-test unless the government program is free," Faridz stated.

In connection with the price monitoring, the Tangerang District Health Office will immediately conduct an inspection of health facilities providing the PCR test service.

"The public can report to us if they find an overpriced PCR test. We will take action in connection with that matter," he emphasized.

All health facilities, hospitals, and clinics providing PCR swab tests must comply with the new price regulation. The Tangerang District Health Service will report any price violation to the Health Ministry.

"If there is a violation, of course, we will clarify first, then we will coordinate with the Ministry of Health, as there is no sanction on the circular regarding the price violation," Faridz stated.

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Translator: Azmi S, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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