Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The PCR price has now been lowered again to Rp 275 for the Java-Bali region and Rp 300 thousand outside the region. Even though in the early days of the pandemic, these test services could reach millions of rupiah.
The reduction policy was carried out after the Ministry of Health and BPKP conducted an audit on the components of the RT – PCR test equipment and services according to President Jokowi’s direction.
From the results of the BPKP audit of the cost of goods and services for the RT – PCR test from the e-catalog, there is a potential for lower prices. Starting from reagents, hazmat or personal protective equipment, to RNA.
Secretary General of the Association of Medical and Laboratory Equipment Company Organizations (Gakeslab) Randy H. Teguh explained that there are various kinds of PCR test equipment, so it is not possible to generalize how much the exact capital is to carry out this test.
However, the cost of testing equipment such as reagents and PPE usually reaches 40% – 50% of the price structure of the RT – PCR test. The rest is to pay for nurses, doctors, administration, and room rent.
He explained that the price range for the reagents starts from Rp. 150-500 thousand depending on the origin and quality of the goods. The more expensive of course the level of accuracy will be better. Meanwhile, the investment cost for the PCR machine starts from hundreds of millions to Rp. 2 billion.
“It’s quite expensive, so it’s a pity for those who have already invested, confused about having to re-calculate,” he told CNBC Indonesia some time ago.
According to Randy, the PCR price limit of Rp 275 – 300 makes it increasingly difficult for test service providers to get quality test kits. If you look at the price structure, the most widely circulated reagents are in the range of Rp. 100 thousand.
Researcher in the field of Clinical Microbiology, Amin Soebandrio, said that the price reduction should not affect the quality of the PCR, because the facility provider is committed to carrying out the inspection. Meanwhile, the price is set by the government.
However, this price decline will burden service providers, because there are costs to be incurred such as providing reagents, medical personnel, equipment maintenance, to the calculation of company profits.
“Profits will definitely be affected, for example, from the usual 10% profit, it will definitely decrease. If the quality is the same, everything can be the same,” said the former head of the Eijkman Institute.
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