Ugandans To Be Charged UGX 240,000 For COVID-19 Testing

By Nsunjo Erica

The government of Uganda has introduced a 240,500 Shillings ($65) ‘cost recovery fee for coronavirus testing services. ‘Effective September 1, 2020.

”In view of the above fact therefore, the government has introduced a testing fee of US$65…or [Shs] 240,500…per test for certain categories of individuals and organizations.

This is a cost-recovery mechanism that will enable the ministry of Health to acquire more test kits for continued access to testing services in the country.”

Ministry of Health says in a letter dated August 27, 2020, that the country has registered a spike in the COVID-19 cases and that the country is running short of funds. Therefore, the move is aimed at reducing the high cost that the government is incurring to carry out testing for various groups.

Truck drivers, people in need of knowing their COVID-19 status, government and public organizations, Ugandans returning from abroad, visitors from other countries will all be mandated to pay a fee of 240,500 Shillings for covid-19 testing.

According to the Ministry of Health, a COVID-19 account has been opened up to collect money for the tests therefore all, citizens to carry out tests in government testing facilities will be expected to deposit money into that account.

According to the Ministry of Health, all Ugandan citizens who want to go to private testing laboratories can also access the test at Lancet, MBN, or Medipal International Hospital at an average fee of 300,000 Shillings.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, however, added that the government will continue to cater to payments of testing fees for people who present at health facilities with COVID-19 symptoms, contacts of people who test positive for the disease, participants in community surveys and frontline health workers.

According to current stats, Uganda’s cumulative total COVID-19 cases have now risen to 2,928 with recoveries standing at 1,288.