Taga sa kita si Dick! PH Red Cross jacks up COVID-19 testing fee despite getting cheap kits

By Nancy Carvajal

A document obtained by Politiko from Sansure Biotech Corp., PRC’s supplier for the testing kits, priced them at only $30 or P1,500 each.

“The recommended terminal sales price for COVID-19 kits from Sansure Biotech in the market of Philippines is between $20 and $30 per test, including customs clearance fees, transportation, taxes, technical support, service storage charge and etc,’’ the document said.

The Sansure document also show that testing centers like PRC, which is led by Senator Richard Gordon, has to get the permission of the company when the final price is not within the suggested price imposed by them.

“According to the general situation of the local epidemic and the quantity of each order, corresponding consultations and adjustment of price can be made. When the final adjusted price is not between $20 to $30 per test, the consent of Sansure Biotech must be obtained,’’ the document said.

However, in a memorandum of agreement effective last April 27, 2020 between PNRC- represented by Sen, Richard Gordon in his capacity as chair and chief executive officer and PhilHealth represented also by its chair and CEO Ricardo Morales stated that PhilHealth shall pay PNRC P3,500 for every test done of a member endorsed by a local government.

PNRC, also charges P4,000 per test to PhilHealth members who are not endorsed a local government, plus P500 if you want a certificate indicating the result of the test.

Sansure executives in an earlier interview with Politiko also said that, PNRC – a humanitarian institution received special discount from the company on the introduction of China Red Cross.

PhilHealth, a government-owned and controlled corporation and is attached to the Department of Health had earlier released around P100 million to PNRC as mobilization funds.

“ PhilHealth shall release to PRC,as a form of prospective payment a mobilization fund, P5 million for highly urbanized cities, P3 million not classified as HUC and P2 million for municipalities,’’ the MOA stated.

The MOA also said that PNRC named the bank account where the PhilHealth funds will be deposited.

“ PRC shall provide the corresponding bank account where the payment will be paid, PhilHealth will direct all payments to the nominated bank account,’’ the MOA said.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)