GUWAHATI: In a significant move to enhance the number of testing of coronavirus, the government has notified the price of testing in private laboratory which set the maximum cost for testing to Rs 4,500 per case.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in a press release, issued guidelines for such labs to follow amidst the coronavirus outbreak. While the body encourages free or subsidized prices, it has set a cap when it comes to the costing of testing samples.
"The National Task Force recommends that the maximum cost for testing sample should not exceed Rs 4,500. This may include Rs 1,500 as a screening test for suspected cases, and an additional Rs 3,000 for confirmation test," the statement read. It further added, "However, ICMR encourages free or subsidized testing in this hour of National public health emergency." The ICMR warned that although these guidelines may get amended from time to time, failure to comply to them would result in legal action.
While India registered 324 positive cases so far with six deaths, the Health Ministry stressed on taking precautions such as social distancing and self isolation.
Additionally, the country is witnessing a 'Janata Curfew' from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday, as per appeal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move was taken in hopes to curb the spread of the infectious outbreak.
The ICMR release also says that failure to comply with these guidelines will invite legal action.
