Uniform rate for coronavirus tests across India: Supreme Court docket directs Centre

Getting take note of the variations in coronavirus testing prices in a variety of states, the Supreme Court docket on Thursday, June 19, advised the Centre to fix an upper limit for Covid-19 tests.

“There must be uniformity in COVID-19 test rate. In some states, it is Rs 2,200 and in some its Rs 4,500,” the apex court explained to the government.

An SC bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MR Shah advised the Centre to manage uniformity in Covid-19 tests rates of all the condition governments, and it ought to coordinate on this. The bench also directed the Centre to established up a committee to correct Covid screening rates state-wise.

“We will not deal with a amount. You deal with a amount,” Justice Shah advised Solicitor Typical Tushar Mehta, representing the federal government.

Mehta replied that it is much better to leave it to the states, as some may possibly be talking about to have even lower charges for testing.

The bench claimed, “You fix the higher restrict. States will do the relaxation.”

Justice Bhushan also emphasised that acceptable prices be preset for Covid-19 checks, and there ought to be uniformity across the country.

The bench was listening to a situation in which it took suo moto cognizance of lapses in Covid-19 patient treatment and mishandling of bodies.

Amid mounting Covid-19 circumstances in the national cash, the Union House Ministry revised the value cap on tests for coronavirus to Rs 2,400. The new cost cap for the exams — which until now was Rs 4,500 — was declared following directives by Dwelling Minister Amit Shah to “provide relief to the widespread gentleman”.

(With agency inputs)