SP fixes rates for molecular lab operations
QUICK COVID-19 TEST RESULTS ASSURED
THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan finally passed an ordinance during its virtual session last February 22 approving the schedule of rates for services to be provided to patients by the Pangasinan Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory (PMDL).
Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, chairman on health of the SP, proposed the ordinance as he lamented that the operation of the PMDL has been long overdue after it received its license to operate from the Department of Health two months ago.
According to Rosario, the approved rates are even lower than the rate prescribed by both Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Approved for private patients or those confined in private hospitals is P4,500 per swab, P500 lower than the rate authorized by DOH and DTI.
The rate for public patients who include indigents, members of 4Ps and senior citizens is P3,800 but the amount will be covered by PhilHealth.
Rosario said the PMDL will release the results within 24 hours, a far cry from the present 2-3 days waiting time experienced for results from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
He said the provincial government can encourage local governments to do the swabbing for their constituents suspected to be infected with COVID-19 and results can already be obtained by the PMDL.
The PMDL is only the third facility in Pangasinan after the Region 1 Medical Center and the Villaflor Doctors Memorial Hospital in Dagupan. (Leonardo Micua)
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