The Ministry of Health has reduced the cost of testing for #Covid-19 from Sh240,500 ($65) to Shs 185,000 ($50) for people seeking testing services in government laboratories. In August, the government put the price at Shs240,500 for individuals who wanted to test for #Covid-19.
According to the statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine, the cost has been reduced by $15. The reduction of testing fees is alluded to resumption of international flights.
“I would like to inform you that the cost of transporting laboratory testing kits and other supplies from the point of manufacture to the country has reduced due to the resumption of international flights.” Dr. Atwine said
She said the government will continue to offer free testing services to patients who present to health facilities with #Covid-19 symptoms, contacts of people who have tested positive for #Covid-19, community surveys to establish the extent of the spread of the virus, frontline health workers and surveillance samples.
The reduction on covid-19 testing fees happens in the wake of the shooting numbers of forged #Covid-19 certificates. Last week, a total of 23 passengers of various origins were intercepted by the Aviation police at Entebbe International Airport after they presented forged #Covid-19 certificates.
According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango, the perpetrators who include 13 men and 10 women will be slapped with forgery charges and uttering false documents.
Currently, Makerere University Hospital was taking the lowest charges of Shs200,000 form the initial fees of Shs 150,000. Nakasero hospital is charging $97.93(ShS365000) with results in 24 to 48 hours,$ 107.32(Shs400,000) at Kampala hospital results in six hours, $99.28(Shs370,000) with results in 24-48 hours or $126.11(Shs470,000) results got in 12 hours.
