There should be uniformly in COVID-19 testing rates across India: SC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 19

As private labs charge varying rates for COVID-19 tests, the Supreme Court on Friday said there should be uniformity in testing charges across India.

However, it chose not to pass any directions after being told that the Centre has issued orders to reduce the testing charges by private labs.

“We have come to know that the rates of the tests to be conducted in the private labs is substantially reduced by the Government of India for which orders have also been issued,” a three-judge Bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan said.

The Bench again pulled up the Delhi government for giving an impression that everything was fine in hospitals in the national capital.

“When the (Delhi) Government does not endeavour to know any shortcomings or lapses in its hospitals and patient care, the chances of remedial action and improvement becomes dim. Every organisation, every individual should be more than ready to know about the shortcomings and lapses and it is only after knowing one’s shortcomings and deficiencies, remedial actions can be taken,” the Supreme Court said.

It asked the Delhi government to be more vigilant in knowing about the deficiencies and lapses in the functioning of hospitals and patients care and take immediate remedial steps to redeem the miseries of patients who needed medical care and help.

In its affidavit, Delhi government told the court that testing would be increased up to 18,000 per day from June 20 and a committee headed by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul, having representatives of the AIIMS and the Delhi government, has been set to suggest reasonable rates of various COVID- related facilities/tests for private hospitals, labs.

LNJP Hospital Superintendent informed the Bench that CCTV cameras had been installed in the hospital.

The Bench asked the Maharashtra government to give reports of COVID-19 tests to the relatives of patients.

“We have no doubt that the states and all concerned shall supply a copy of the report of the patient to him or his relatives and the hospital,” it said.