The prices of laboratory tests for dengue including a dengue antigen test and full blood count test have gone up resulting in people showing reluctance to go for testing, health officials claimed.

When Daily Mirror inquired from three leading private hospitals, the price of a dengue antigen test (NS1) is Rs 1,200 while the price of a Full Blood Count (FBC) is Rs 400.

Commenting on the situation, Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando said “There is no price control for laboratory tests. In addition, there is also a dearth of drugs in hospitals,”

Meanwhile, GMOA Media Spokesman Dr Chamil Wijesinghe speaking with Daily Mirror admitted that there has been a slight increase in the prices of laboratory tests and certain drugs.

“It is the duty of the Health Ministry to oversee and monitor the prices of drugs in private hospitals as there have been instances especially during COVID-19 pandemic where exorbitant prices were charged for tests and drugs,” he pointed out.

Sri Lanka has so far logged 36,192 cases with 23 deaths in 2023. The majority of cases have been recorded from the Western Province.