Uttar Pradesh government slashes prices, pvt labs stop RT-PCR tests

LUCKNOW: Private pathology labs abstained from conducting Covid-19 tests for the second consecutive day on Saturday, giving a tough time to people suspected to be having novel coronavirus infection.
There are 15 private labs in the city which have permission to carry out diagnostic examination of swab samples through RT-PCR method. These labs stopped RT-PCR testing after the state government reduced the cost of test from Rs 2,500 to Rs 1,600 on September 10. As a result, an estimated 4,000 Covid-19 tests could not be done in two days.
“About 2,000 Covid-19 tests are done by these 15 labs daily. Every test through RT-PCR method costs us at least Rs 2,200. If the government wants us to reduce the prices, it should help us in finding suppliers who can provide quality raw material required to conduct tests at cheaper rates,” said Ashwini Singh, director of a private lab in Chowk.
As the issue remained unresolved on Saturday, many people had to go back home disappointed or visit heavily overcrowded government hospitals for tests.
Rajnish Mishra of Chowk wanted to get a test done for his family of four. “We all had come in contact with a relative who was tested positive on Friday. I too had cough, hence the family doctor advised me to go for a test and self-isolate. My family and I went to a lab near my house but we were told that no testing is being done,” he said.
As a result, rush has increased at already overloaded government hospitals.
Arshit Srivastava and his wife went to KGMU fever clinic for a test and had to stand in a queue for long after a private lab near their house refused.
While the order was hailed by the people, private labs cried foul claiming that regents and testing kits are not available at lower prices.