Maharashtra slashes by half COVID-19 testing charges

Maharashtra slashes by half COVID-19 testing charges

The Maharashtra government cut coronavirus RT-PCR testing rates to ₹ 500 from ₹ 1,000 on Wednesday. The charges for rapid antigen tests were also reduced. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope made the announcement.

After the outbreak of the pandemic last year, the charges for an RT-PCR test in the state were ₹ 4,500, which were cut from time to time by the state government to ease the burden on people.

“The new fees for the RT-PCR test are set at ₹ 500, ₹ 600, and ₹ 800. For sampling at the collection center, ₹ 500 will be charged. For the same test at a Covid Care Center or quarantine, the charges will be ₹ 600 and to collect the swab at home, laboratories may charge ₹ 800, said Dr. Pradeep Vyas, chief secretary of the department of public health.

The cost of the antibody test will be ₹ 250, ₹ 300, and ₹ 400 for similar services, respectively.

“No private laboratory can charge more than these prescribed fees,” he added.

For another test, CLIA, for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the charges will be ₹ 350, ₹ 450, and ₹ 550 respectively, while for the rapid antigen test the amount will be ₹ 150, ₹ 200, and ₹ 300 respectively, Dr. Vyas said.

Tope said: “There is a wide availability of material required for these tests. Therefore, the state government has decided to reduce the prices of these tests.”