The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a clarification on the maximum charges applicable for key medical laboratory tests, following reports of a private hospital in Jaffna charging above the prescribed fee for a Full Blood Count (FBC) test.
According to a CAA statement, under Order No. 67, issued in terms of Section 20(5) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 09 of 2003, the maximum charges are:
- Full Blood Count (FBC) Test — LKR 400 per test and report
- NS1 Antigen Test for Dengue — LKR 1,200 per test and report
This order has been in force since 29 July 2020, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2186/17.
The CAA urged consumers to remain vigilant when obtaining these tests from private hospitals or laboratories. Patients are advised to always request an official bill or receipt for payments.
If an institution charges above the prescribed maximum fee, complaints can be lodged with the CAA via the 1977 hotline, together with the receipt and any other evidence.
The CAA emphasized that strict enforcement of these regulations is essential to protect patients from unfair pricing practices in the health sector. (Newswire)
