New Delhi (NVI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today directed officials to reduce the price of RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 in the national capital.
Kejriwal took to Twitter and made the announcement saying that this will help those going to private labs for COVID-19 test.
“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,” the chief minister tweeted.
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.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 30, 2020
However, Kejriwal, did not mention further details of the revised price of RT-PCR tests and from when they will come into effect in the city.
In reply to Chief Minister’s tweet, Delhi Health Minister Satendar Jain said. “Will issue order immediately.”
Sir. We will issue orders immediately.
— Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) November 30, 2020
RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test are two types of tests done to detect coronavirus. Both tests are done for free at government testing centres and hospitals, but not at private labs. At present, people have to spend Rs 2,400 for the RT-PCR test at private labs in the national capital. The final price was capped by the Delhi government in June.
Meanwhile, the Delhi and central governments, both, recently launched mobile testing vans offering free coronavirus tests.
The decision was taken after Chief Minister’s urgent COVID-19 containment meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, who instructed doubling Delhi’s RT-PCR testing capacity to detected rising coronavirus cases in the city.
So far, Delhi has recorded more than 5.66 lakh COVID-19 cases with 5,22,491 recoveries. The death toll in the national capital stood at 9,066, as per the Health Ministry data.
-RJV
