After seven months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has finally set a price cap for real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. Previously, the test cost millions of rupiah.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
Kompas/AGUS SUSANTO
A man undergoes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or swab test at Moh Ridwan Meuraksa Hospital, East Jakarta, Tuesday (16/6/2020). The mobile testing will serve people who have registered through the Covid-19 monitoring app and the results will be sent to their respective mobile phones.
After seven months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has finally set a price cap for real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests. Previously, the test cost millions of rupiah.
The RT-PCR test is currently considered the most accurate at detecting the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the cause of Covid-19 infection. There are several ways of detecting the virus, all with their own advantages and disadvantages.
The RT-PCR test detects the presence of coronavirus genetic material. However, so far, its use has been constrained by high prices and a lack of capacity at examination laboratories. In the early days of the pandemic, several hospitals charged Rp 2.5 million, although now some have dropped to around Rp 1.4 million.
Head of the Covid-19 task force Doni Monardo once said that the RT-PCR checkup fee was actually only Rp 500,000. Therefore, Circular No. HK 02.02/I/3713/2020, which was approved by the acting director general of health services, Dr. Abdul Kadir, 5 Oct. 5, was a breath of fresh air. The circular limits the cost for independent RT-PCR tests to Rp 900,000.
In an emergency situation like now, when all parties must move together to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission, the issuance of this circular is a relief. The government must indeed take a firm lead in mitigating the pandemic.
A journalist had his saliva sampled by a health worker in a test using the polymerase chain reaction method at the Press Council Building, Central Jakarta, Wednesday (12/8/2020).
In an effort to reduce the number of cases, we understand the need for examination, tracking and treatment (3P). The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a minimum examination threshold of 1 per 1,000 people per week, which Indonesia has not yet reached a half of.
With a population of 274 million, 274,000 should be conducted per week, or 39,000 tests per day. Meanwhile, the average number of tests conducted daily in Indonesia presently is still below 30,000. Only four provinces have exceeded the minimum number of tests, namely Jakarta, Yogyakarta, West Sumatra and Papua.
On the other hand, with the positive ratio in Indonesia remaining above 10 percent, the increase in the number of positive cases in Indonesia is still a cause for concern. This means that out of every 100 people tested, there are at least 10 positive cases. In fact, the WHO requires a maximum positive ratio of 5 percent.
Therefore, efforts must be made immediately to intensify testing. While various methods can be used according to the conditions in the field, it is even better if PCR tests are available. With a much reduced price, the government cannot only increase the number of checkups in various regions, but also encourage independent, individual or institutional examinations.
The government also still has room to reduce the price of PCR tests even further by distributing millions of reagents to all regions so that every government health facility can provide free examinations. Thus, screening and treatment can run more quickly, massively and effectively.
