After orders to reduce Covid-19 RT-PCR testing rates in the national capital amid the surge in coronavirus cases, the Delhi government on Monday capped testing rates to ₹800 of the existing rate of ₹2,400 in private hospitals.
The Delhi government also added that Covid samples collected from laboratories, hospitals and collection facilities will be free of charge. ₹800, including all charges, sample collection, and on-site testing cost.
He also mentioned that samples collected through home visits, including collection of all charges, sample collection, and analysis costs, will be capped at ₹1,200.
“All private laboratories and hospitals must display revised rates in prominent locations within 24 hours,” the order said. He also conveyed that the order is effective immediately and must be strictly followed.
Earlier, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that he had issued directives to reduce the price of RT-PCR testing in the national capital, saying it will help those who go to private labs for COVID-19 testing.
Currently, people have to spend ₹2,400 for the RT-PCR test in private laboratories.
“I have directed that RT PCR testing rates be lowered in Delhi. While testing is done free of charge in government establishments, however, this will help those testing in pvt labs,” Kejriwal tweeted.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, in response to the prime minister’s tweet, said that orders for this will be issued immediately.
RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing are two types of tests performed to detect new coronaviruses. Both tests are done free of charge in hospitals and government testing centers, but not in private clinics or hospitals. Currently, people have to spend ₹2,400 for the RT-PCR test in private laboratories.
Delhi has reported 1,487 new COVID cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 35,091 on Monday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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