Rwanda has halved the price of a Covid-19 quick test, with customers paying Rwf5,000 (about $5) instead of Rwf10,000 ($9.9) as of August 9.
The change comes in response to public outcry that the cost was too high.
Reduced costs are anticipated to encourage more individuals to get coronavirus testing early.
Currently, the quick antigen test is charged when performed willingly but is provided free to symptomatic patients and those in touch with Covid-19 patients.
PCR testing with 48-hour results cost $50 in Rwanda, a comparatively cheap price in the East African area when compared to $60-$80 in Kenya and around $65 in Uganda. However, the costs in these nations vary according to the testing center visited.
A list of private clinics and hospitals authorized to conduct the tests will be published, according to a statement released by the Rwanda Biomedical Center. The nation has performed a total of 2,083,439 Covid-19 tests as of August 1.
According to Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Director General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center, the nation is now evaluating a one-minute self-testing equipment that will make Covid-19 testing accessible and easy.
From June to July this year, Rwanda had a significant increase in Covid-19 infections, prompting a 15-day lockdown from July 17 to 31. The increase is being ascribed to the new, more lethal and infectious Delta strain.
455,673 people have been completely vaccinated, while 3,238 have got their first dosage. Rwanda presently possesses 200,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine and anticipates receiving a further 3.5 million doses in the near future.
As of August 1, the nation has reported 821 fatalities and 56 people in serious condition as a result of Covid exposure. The percentage of positive is 8.5 percent.
