Clarifications for the maximum values in rapid test and PCR values are given by the Competition Commission, emphasizing that the ceiling has been set at 60 euros for PCR and 10 euros for rapid test. The Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association was called to harmonize with the decision.
The Competition Commission (EA), hereby informs the citizens that under the relevant legislation [see. no. 98491/9.9.2021 Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette BD4181 / 9.9.2021)[1]] SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus tests performed in private diagnostic laboratories are charged, in private clinics and at any other point of sale, such as pharmacies. Specifically:
«1. For the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus detection test by the Real Time molecular test method – PCR:
a) as a service charge cap (sample analysis etc.), including the required reagents and consumables, the amount of forty euros (40 €) and
b) as a maximum charge for sampling in private diagnostic laboratories and private clinics, the amount of twenty euros (20 €).
2. For the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus antigen detection test by the rapid test method (rapid test) as the maximum of the sum of the service charge price (analysis etc.), including the required reagents and consumables, and sampling in private diagnostic laboratories, in private clinics and at any other point of sale the amount of ten euros (10 €).»
The performance of these tests in private diagnostic laboratories, private clinics, pharmacies and any other point of their performance, can be carried out at lower prices and at the maximum in the above. Therefore, Professionals who have the ability to perform such coronavirus or coronavirus antigen detection tests, they are completely free to price at the price they choose on their own, with a maximum value stated in the Ministerial Decision on each type of detection test.
Any intervention by professional bodies / associations and / or consultations between professionals, in any way and to any extent and degree, as well as in any part of the Greek Territory, aimed at the joint agreement and / or the imposition of the pricing of such detection tests at the highest (or other) limit, Violations of national and EU free competition law are considered to be particularly serious in accordance with Article 1 law 3959/2011 and the article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (ΣΛΕΕ).
Violation of these rules results in both administrative fines and penalties as well as criminal liability for the participating professionals or even for legal entities that contributed to the creation of cartel / price harmonization effects for the detection tests..
In the above context, the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, in compliance with an EA recommendation (no. 8009/01.10.2021 letter) align its communications with its members with competition law, a) posted, in accordance with the EA recommendation, on his website, its revocation under number 3364/26.7.2021 his letter [Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association | Ability to perform rapid tests by pharmacists for a fee 20 euros plus VAT- Document revocation (pfs.gr)] and b) posted on his website and shared, to all pharmaceutical associations in the country no. 8009/01.10.2021 EA letter and no. 4493/11.10.2021 his reply letter, in order to make it clear to all its members that those referred to in no. 98491/9.9.2021 Ministerial Decision, coronavirus or coronavirus antigen tests are maximum prices and not fixed.
Citizens and professionals are invited to report to the Competition Commission any information that has come to their notice for interventions and consultations that have as object or result the restriction of competition in the Greek Territory by setting a specific price for the detection tests or coron antigen.. The EA, guardian of the proper functioning of the free market, points out that within its remit, will intervene as an immediate priority where necessary and will consider any relevant case that comes to its notice, by filing a complaint, request for leniency or anonymous relevant information through the secure digital environment (see. Anonymous Provision of Information available at the following address https://www.epant.gr/digital/whistleblowing.html) and impose very severe administrative sanctions on companies that may pursue anti-competitive practices under the provisions of. 3959/2011 and articles 101 and 102 ΣΛΕΕ.
Source: dikaiologitika.gr
