The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) recently announced that it is offering affordable COVID-19 testing for PhilHealth members on a first-come, first-served basis.
In a Facebook post last January 26, the NKTI said the RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing is conducted at the NKTI Executive Office Parking Area from Mondays to Sundays.
It also released an infographic that indicates the frequently asked questions on its RT-PCR test offering including the prices, schedule and results.
“We have been receiving many inquiries regarding swab testing for Covid-19 RT-PCR. We would like to help you with some of your frequently asked questions regarding Covid-19 testing at the NKTI with this updated infographics,” the caption read.
The costs of NKTI’s RT-PCR tests are:
- With PhilHealth: P391
- Without PhilHealth: P3,800
These prices are in compliance with the Department of Health’s price cap for COVID-19 testing and test kits under Executive Order 118 and Joint Administrative Order 1 series of 2020.
In NKTI’s post on February 4, it announced a new schedule for the swab testing for outpatient and walk-in clients:
From Monday to Saturday:
- 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 5 pm
Sunday
- 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. only
Results of the tests can be obtained the next day at the Executive Office Registration Area.
NKTI also noted that this initiative is only offered to a limited number of patients.
“We shall be accepting only 150 patients in the morning and 50 patients for the afternoon schedule. Strictly on a first-come-first-serve basis/ reservations are not allowed,” it said.
Some Filipinos were delighted that there is now a low cost testing available for the public.
Several local government units have previously offered free COVID-19 testing procedures to their constituents.
These LGUs include Manila City, Pasig, Taguig and Quezon City.