Delhi Govt reduces RT-PCR test price to Rs 800, samples collection from home Rs 1,200

theokhlatimes

Delhi Govt reduces RT-PCR test price to Rs 800, samples collection from home Rs 1,200

Now, RT-PCR tests rate in Delhi Rs 800, collecting samples from home at Rs 1,200: Jain

The rate of RT-PCR tests in Delhi have been reduced to Rs 800 from the existing Rs 2,400 while the cost of collecting samples from home has been reduced to Rs 1,200. This development has been confirmed by Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday.

“The death rate was 1.61 per cent owing to pollution levels due to stubble burning which was also a major contributor to the declining health of citizens. The rate of RT-PCR tests has been reduced to Rs 800, while collection of samples from home will cost Rs 1,200. It has been promised by the Central Government to provide additional support for testing to ensure that there is no delay in the availability of reports since Delhi is optimally utilising both private and government labs,” said Jain.

He said there were 3,726 new cases in Delhi yesterday. Positivity rate was down to 7.35 per cent from 15.26 per cent. There has been a 55 per cent decrease in the rate since November 7, 2020.

Commenting on the death rate, he said: “We have to see the moving average and not take into consideration the daily statistics. At present, 1.61 per cent is the death ratio. During winters, pollution levels in Delhi due to the stubble burning in neighbouring States was the reason behind the declining health of citizens. Due to that very reason we saw an increase in hospital admissions. However, we anticipate that in 2-3 weeks, it will get better.”

The rate of RT-PCR tests in Delhi was reduced to Rs 800 from the existing Rs 2,400. While the cost of collecting samples from home was reduced to Rs 1,200. The Delhi Government establishments are conducting these tests for free, and the move to further cap the prices of RT-PCR tests will help those who get their tests done in private labs.

Responding to the query surrounding the delay in reports of RT-PCR test, Jain said: “The capacity of labs is full. We issued strict orders yesterday to ensure that the turnaround period is 24 hours. When they conduct tests equivalent to their capacity, it results in a delay. We will be taking up this issue with ICMR and the Central Government to suggest that if labs conduct 10 per cent less tests than their total capacity, it will result in a higher turnaround rate. Delhi is optimally utilising both private and government labs, but there is need for additional support in terms of labs as promised by Central Government to ensure that the reports are issued within 24 hours.”