The CPC opens preliminary investigation into the activities of private medical laboratories

The Commission for protection of competition opens preliminary investigation into the activities of private medical laboratories in connection with the suspension of offering molecular biological RT-PCR group testing for SARS-COV-2 (pooled testing).

As of July 14, 2020 the Greek authorities adopted new, stricter measures for Bulgarian tourists, entering the country, namely the presentation of a negative PCR test performed by a licensed laboratory. Identical measures were introduced by the Austrian authorities for Bulgarians entering the country.

Immediately after the introduction of the new measures by the Greek government, information appeared on social networks and the Internet about the sudden and simultaneous suspension of group PCR testing using the pool method by the large laboratories in Sofia.

As part of the ongoing monitoring of the competitive environment in the context of the Covid-19 crises, the CPC has initiated a preliminary investigation to find out the reasons for this behaviour, which practically does not allow citizens who want to travel to these countries to take advantage of cheaper group PCR tests for COVID-19.