South Africa\u2019s big three pathology groups, Pathcare, Lancet and Ampath, are expected to lower the price of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen tests to no more than R150 per test.<\/p>\n
This after a Competition Commission investigation found that the three groups may have contravened the Competition Act, which prohibits dominant companies from charging excessive prices to the detriment of consumers.<\/p>\n
The commission\u2019s investigation was triggered by a complaint from the National Health Department, which alleged that a test kit bought through UNICEF costs only R50 – implying that the three companies may have been overpricing.<\/p>\n
The companies were charging at least R350, with prices dropping to R250 during November.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele said the move is a further victory for consumers if taken in the context of last week\u2019s announcement that Covid-19 PCR tests will now cost no more than R500.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is yet another major victory for South Africans, particularly the vulnerable groups during the time of a devastating and resilient pandemic.<\/p>\n
“The reduction of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen test prices will help alleviate the plight of consumers, and widen accessibility and affordability of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen testing, which is a critical part of the initiatives to avoid the escalation of the pandemic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Rapid Antigen Tests give quicker Covid-19 results than Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.<\/p>\n
Bonakele said the commission is also investigating the cost of Rapid Antigen Testing at retail pharmacy chain Dis-Chem.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Commission will continue with its investigation on supply and delivery of Covid-19 Rapid Antigen tests. We will not hesitate to apply for maximum administrative penalties against companies found guilty of exploiting consumers and customers,\u201d he said<\/p>\n