If the investigations find that some clinics improperly charged for molecular COVID-19 tests —which were processed free of charge by the State-run
— exemplary sanctions will be applied, President Martín Vizcarra affirmed on Thursday.
Within this framework, the Head of State underlined that his administration will not allow companies to profit from the health problems and pain of Peruvian citizens.
"We are going to ask the
National Superintendence of Health (Susalud) to apply an exemplary sanction (...) an economic sanction on those clinics, following the evaluation and supervision of this process. We cannot allow this abusive behavior," he expressed.
After thanking the
Comptroller General's Office for warning about this alleged irregularity, the top official stressed that the Peruvian State —through the
INS— does not charge citizens for molecular or rapid tests.
The statesman condemned that the health emergency situation is being used to charge users —who go to private clinics— up to S/500 (US$147) for the processing of molecular tests.
"As with oxygen, there are people who want to take advantage of this situation, of this circumstance, to obtain benefits. When we see this type of complaint, we have to express our annoyance and outrage," he underlined.
Thus, Mr. Vizcarra called on private companies to join the efforts of the Peruvian State to combat the pandemic.
"Provide support, let us all be aware of the difficult moment we are going through, so that we are all part of the solution to the problem," he concluded.