Karnataka orders cut in private labs’ Covid test rates

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has ordered the rate of RT-PCR Covid tests in private laboratories be reduced from Rs 2,250 to Rs 2,000 per sample, an official said on Saturday.

“Rate of RT-PCR testing for the samples sent by the government in private laboratories including screening test and confirmatory test – Rs 2,000 per test inclusive of the cost of PPE kit,” Additional Chief Secretary Jawaid Akhtar said.

Similarly, the cost of testing such a sample, when an individual approaches a private laboratory on his own, has been fixed at Rs 3,000, which also includes the cost of the personal protective equipment (PPE).

In the case of Rapid Antigen Test for private individuals, the cost of a test has been fixed at Rs 700.

Akhtar stressed that Covid testing can be conducted only in ICMR-approved laboratories, and all other conditions laid down by the ICMR and the state government shall apply.

On Friday, Karnataka registered 5,007 new Covid positive cases, raising the state’s tally to 85,870, even as 110 more patients succumbed to the virus.

Source: NK