BS RAWAT

The Jharkhand government has capped the rate for Covid-19 Rt-PCR test at Rs 2,400 including all expenses, reducing it from the earlier Rs 4,500.

The revised rates have come into force with immediate effect.

The orders by the principal secretary (Health) of the state said, “…wherein ICMR withdrew the upper ceiling of Rs 4500 per Rt-PCR test and suggested states to negotiate with private partners for lower rates, fresh rates were called from private laboratories for the same. Minimum rate received for collection of sample and testing is Rs 2400 per test.”

“Therefore, the rate for Rt-PCR Covid-19 testing by private laboratories is hereby revised and fixed at Rs 2400 per test including costs involved in picking and transportation of samples, documentation and reporting,” the order said.

“This rate will be applicable to all the ICMR approved private partners providing Rt-PCR testing facility for Jharkhand,” it added.