Rapid antigen test free for symptomatic people in Surat

Surat: In a move to help residents suffering from suspected Covid-19 symptoms get immediate medical attention, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has made the rapid antigen test free not only at the Dhanvantri Raths, but also in its health centres.
Official sources said that the health staff at the Dhanvantri Raths and the health centres will decide on performing free rapid test based on the primary health screening of the patients who approach them with suspected symptoms including ARI.
“There was no charge levied on rapid antigen test from the very beginning. Now, those having suspected symptoms can visit Dhanvantri Raths or the health centres and get themselves checked,” said Banchhanidhi Pani, municipal commissioner, adding that only those found with suspected symptoms and ARI will be provided free service.
According to Pani, the test facility has already started at Dhanvantri Raths and SMC health centres across the city. City has about 121 Dhanvantri Raths where about 40,000 people get screened for Covid-19.
It must be noted that the SMC has appointed two private agencies for carrying out the rapid antigen test of the workers employed in the industrial units including diamond and textile sector. The unit owners will have to bear the expenses for testing of their workers.
Last week, the SMC allowed the diamond units to carry out operations with two workers on emery wheel with the mandatory rule for carrying out the rapid antigen test of the worker.
It is believed that the SMC has taken the decision for the free testing of the people with suspected symptoms at the Dhanvantri Raths and health centres to avoid the industrial units on taking the undue benefit of the service provided by the civic body.