As Cost Burden Grows... China Expands Paid Testing for Mandatory Nucleic Acid Tests

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] In China, where virtually the entire population is required to undergo mandatory and periodic COVID-19 nucleic acid testing, the regions where individuals must bear the testing costs themselves are expanding.

According to local media such as Tencent on the 3rd, nucleic acid testing in Guiyang City, China, has become chargeable at 4 yuan per test (for pooled testing) starting this month. Except for certain groups such as high-risk workers, everyone must pay for the tests out of pocket. Prior to this, the Yueyang Economic and Technological Development Zone in Hunan Province recently began charging 4 yuan for local nucleic acid tests.

Although not official statistics, local media report that other cities including Bijie in Guizhou, Yibin in Sichuan, Longnan and Jiuchuan in Gansu, and Huizhou in Guangdong have recently adjusted their policies on nucleic acid testing and started charging fees.

Local governments regulate that the cost of nucleic acid tests conducted by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public medical institutions should not exceed 16 yuan per single test. For pooled testing, the maximum is adjusted to 5 yuan. Earlier in May, the National Healthcare Security Administration of the State Council and the COVID-19 Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism’s Medical Structure Team jointly announced a policy to reduce the prices of nucleic acid tests accordingly.

In China, to access certain public institutions, public places, and public transportation, individuals must possess nucleic acid test results within 24 to 72 hours. Depending on the type and frequency of tests, monthly costs could reach up to 480 yuan.

Reactions internally vary. Some netizens oppose, asking, "Why charge when it is mandatory?" while others defend the fees, noting, "Considering how many people get tested daily, the amount is not insignificant."

Meanwhile, according to a report released by Suzhou Bank in June, it is estimated that 10.8 billion COVID-19 tests will be conducted in China from April to June this year, with total costs reaching 1,746 yuan. Until now, local governments have borne the costs of nucleic acid testing, but there has been controversy as financially strained local governments have been covering expenses from medical insurance funds.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.