While private labs have been charging ₹4,500, govt labs are testing free of cost
The Gujarat government on Thursday announced reduction in the cost of testing for Covid-19 at private labs.
The new test charges at private labs will be ₹2,500 and ₹3,000 for sample collection from home. The revised rates will be made effective immediately and any private lab found overcharging will face strict action, including suspension of their licence.
Earlier each test cost ₹4,500 at private labs. This, while government hospitals are testing free-of-cost.
Making the announcement, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who also holds the health portfolio, stated that while government laboratories conduct all tests free of cost, for the patients admitted in private hospitals for other ailments and surgeries, they can get their tests done from private labs at the reduced cost of ₹2,500.
“As per the guidance from the Hon. Gujarat High Court, the state government has decided to allow private labs to conduct tests for all such patients referred by any MD doctor,” Patel said.
“The cost of test was under our consideration. And we have decided that the cost of test for such individuals getting their tests done at private labs will be reduced from ₹4,500 to ₹2,500,” Patel informed.
According to an estimate, daily about 500 people approach private labs for testing. Patel said that government laboratories conduct 4,000-4,500 tests each day. Gujarat has been reporting 5,000 to 5,400 tests every day.
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Published on
June 25, 2020
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