Delhi reduces price of RT-PCR COVID-19 test to Rs 800 from Rs 2,400

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Monday reduced the price of RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 in the national capital to  Rs 800 from Rs 2,400. 

All private laboratories have been asked by the state government to charge Rs 800 for testing  “samples collected by government teams and collected from collection sites by private sector labs as requisitioned by districts and hospitals,” read an order issued by the health department of Delhi. 

Although, the price of testing of samples collected through home visit will be Rs 1,200. 

According to the order, all labs and hospitals have been asked to display the revised rates at a prominent place within 24 hours. 

The state government has also asked the private labs to process samples, share the reports with the client (government or individual) and update all reports on the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) portal within 24 hours of collection of samples.

Earlier, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that labs were finding it difficult to release the results of all tests within a day.

“I have directed that the rates of RT PCR tests be reduced in Delhi. Whereas tests are being conducted free of cost in govt establishments, however this will help those who get their tests done in pvt labs,” Kejriwal tweeted. 

The Delhi Health Minister in a reply to the tweet said orders for this will be issued immediately.