The cost of private COVID-19 PCR tests is the highest in the region at 12,000 ALL or around EUR 100.
Only two laboratories have been licensed by the government to offer the tests. Both have since started an aggressive online marketing campaign to provide the service, alongside serological testing.
The PRC test that costs EUR 100 gives results in 24-36 hours.
In Kosovo, there are a number of private laboratories licensed to conduct molecular testing such as the Real-Time PCR which costs around EUR 65. The GeneXpert SARS COV-2 test is also being offered but costs EUR 200 as it gives results in 45 minutes. Citizens in Kosovo can choose between EUR 65 with results in 48 hours, or EUR 200 with results in 45 minutes, depending on their needs.
In North Macedonia, private PCR tests cost EUR 50-EUR 100 with the average being around EUR 65. Those at the higher end of the price scale, offer the rapid test which provides faster results.
In Serbia, a PCR costs EUR 50 and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s EUR 70. In Montenegro, private testing is not yet allowed.
Yet in Albania, citizens are paying EUR 100 for a test where it can take as much as 48 hours to receive results.
In August, the QSUT laboratory which had been prepared to conduct Real-Time PCR testing was closed. Two weeks prior, Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu had inspected the new lab and shared the news that tests would be performed there, thus increasing Albania’s testing capacity. Members of staff had also been trained in the new testing methods.
Just two weeks later, Manastirliu ordered that the laboratory be closed. The decision was made at the request of a concessionaire who had won a EUR 95 million tender to conduct all analysis in all laboratories in state hospitals.
A total of 73 medical personnel, recently trained in COVID-19 testing, are expected to lose their jobs.
