PUNE: The state task force has directed Pune to follow the example of Mumbai and roll out
free testing kiosks in coordination with the local authorities.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said that in order to increase the number of daily Covid-19 tests in the city, it has facilitated 244 free testing centres across 24 wards. A similar effort should be carried out in Pune, too, a member of the task force told TOI.
The state health minister, Rajesh Tope, said cities with high number of active cases should replicate the BMC model and start free testing kiosks. “While there has been a reduction in cases in the state, we cannot afford to be lackadaisical and need to ensure that testing is improved,” he said.
Pune municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar said they would review the situation and take a decision on it.
The state task force had directed BMC to carry out at least 20,000 tests daily.
In Pune, 4,000 tests were carried out on Monday and 5,998 on Tuesday.
“Free testing would make the testing process easier and we would want more private agencies to help us,” said the task force member.