Chandigarh administration caps COVID tests at Rs 1,200

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 7

Chandigarh Administration has ordered a cap on price for coronavirus tests by private laboratories in the union territory.

The administration’s order on Wednesday says private laboratories cannot charge more than Rs 1,200 for RTPCR tests and Rs 600 for rapid antigen tests.

“After due deliberations on the matter and the advice of experts taking into account the cost of kits and consumables and consent of leading private laboratories, Chandigarh Administration in exercise of powers bestowed under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897 directs no private laboratory should charge more than mentioned in the table below for COVlD-19 test inclusive of GST Taxes, if any cost involved in pickup, PPE packaging, transportation samples, documentation and reporting in the city of Chandigarh,” the order said on Wednesday.

It is further directed that all laboratories involved in COVID-19 testing adhere to guidelines and SOPs mentioned in the previous orders and shall follow all guidelines laid down by ICMR and MoHFW, government of India, from time to time,” it said.

The order said that the price limit will come into immediate effect and that any violation will be penalised under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code  (disobeying order of a public servant).