Covid: Watchdog to immediately investigate Covid PCR test cost

Health & Diet Health & Diet: In The News
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The health secretary had called for a review into “excessive” pricing and “exploitative practices” among test providers. Travel industry bosses have blamed the high cost of PCR tests for putting people off travelling abroad.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it would explore whether there are pricing and reliability problems. It said it will also investigate whether PCR providers are breaching obligations under consumer law and what immediate actions the government needs to take.

Holidaymakers have complained of high prices and missing tests or results from many of the 400 or more firms offering the service. Tests cost about £75 per person on average but there are reports of some being offered for as little as £20, and others more than £500.

The government publishes a list of companies and clinics offering testing but there have been reports that many have not got full accreditation.

More selfish and shambolic operations from the government and the private sector involved in testing … presumably it’s all part of the legacy of “Incompetent” Harding and “Shifty” Hancock … :man_shrugging:

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The cost of NHS coronavirus tests for international arrivals to the UK have been reduced, the government has said.

Test and Trace tests have been cut from £88 to £68 for people arriving from green-listed countries and for those coming from amber-listed countries who are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the price of two tests for amber arrivals who have not had both jabs has been cut from £170 to £136.

The prices of all providers of day two and eight tests are to be reviewed.

NHS Test and Trace advertises its tests alongside private companies’ packages and they are available to purchase to fulfil the government’s testing requirements for international travel.

This is the second time the price of NHS tests has been reduced; previously the cost of a day two and eight package was £210.

“I am determined to protect consumers and hardworking families from exploitative practices and ensure high quality tests are available at a reasonable price,” said Mr Javid. “Too many providers are acting like cowboys and that needs to stop. The public should be allowed to enjoy their summer holidays without having to face excessive costs or anxiety. Any provider found to be misleading the public will be kicked off.”

:heavy_check_mark: for Sajid

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