The Bangladesh health ministry has capped dengue test fees to ensure affordability during the ongoing outbreak, limiting costs to Tk 50 at government hospitals and Tk 300 at private facilities.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued the directive on Monday, stating the capped fees will remain effective until December 31 to reduce patients’ financial burden and encourage timely dengue detection. Under the new policy, NS1, IgG, and IgM tests will cost a maximum of Tk 50 at public hospitals, down from Tk 100, while private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers cannot charge more than Tk 300 for these tests. Additionally, the cost of a complete blood count (CBC) test has been capped at Tk 400 in private facilities.
“No institution is permitted to charge beyond these set limits. Any complaints of overcharging will lead to strict action against the responsible facility,” the directive warned.
The DGHS urged citizens to consult doctors and get tested promptly if they have fever or dengue symptoms, advising them to stay alert without panicking. Officials believe the pricing measures will improve access to dengue testing, especially in Dhaka and remote areas, where early detection is vital to managing the outbreak effectively. The directive has been sent to all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide.The Bangladesh health ministry has capped dengue test fees to ensure affordability during the ongoing outbreak, limiting costs to Tk 50 at government hospitals and Tk 300 at private facilities.
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued the directive on Monday, stating the capped fees will remain effective until December 31 to reduce patients’ financial burden and encourage timely dengue detection. Under the new policy, NS1, IgG, and IgM tests will cost a maximum of Tk 50 at public hospitals, down from Tk 100, while private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers cannot charge more than Tk 300 for these tests. Additionally, the cost of a complete blood count (CBC) test has been capped at Tk 400 in private facilities.
“No institution is permitted to charge beyond these set limits. Any complaints of overcharging will lead to strict action against the responsible facility,” the directive warned.
The DGHS urged citizens to consult doctors and get tested promptly if they have fever or dengue symptoms, advising them to stay alert without panicking. Officials believe the pricing measures will improve access to dengue testing, especially in Dhaka and remote areas, where early detection is vital to managing the outbreak effectively. The directive has been sent to all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide.
