FIR registered against Atulaya lab

Strap: The facility had been overcharging for RT-PCR tests

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 18

Following the recommendations of the Deputy Commissioner, the Commissionerate of Police has registered an FIR against Atulaya private lab for overcharging for conducting RT-PCR tests.

The matter came to the fore after The Tribune in its sting operation highlighted about double the amount charged from residents by the laboratory, situated at the Green Park, opposite to the All India Radio office.

After conducting a district-level inquiry, a report of which was submitted by a district-level Investigation Committee, including, Civil Surgeon, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, District Family Welfare Officer and Joint Commissioner MC, the lab was found guilty of overcharging.

As per report, the lab was charging Rs900 for conducting RT-PCR tests, whereas the state government had capped the charges to Rs450 for private labs and hospitals. Earlier, the lab was charging Rs1,200 per test at its office and Rs1,500 for home testing, against the fixed price of Rs900.

A case under sections 1,897 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, National Disaster Management Act 2005 and 188 of the IPC has been registered at the Police Division number six.