Assam private labs not keen on RT-PCR tests

Private diagnostic laboratories in Assam say capping of RT-PCR test rates will make the test financially unviable.

The Assam government has fixed ₹500 as the maximum price for an RT-PCR test and ₹250 for a rapid antigen test. If the sample for RT-PCR is collected at home, then ₹700 can be charged. While the state government has ramped up the testing facilities, some private hospitals have outsourced the same to laboratories.

A group of hospitals have now approached the government and sought a revision of the rates.


A senior government official, who do not wish to be named, told ET: “Some people have asked the government to revise the rate, for at existing rate it is not feasible. We are looking into it.”

The Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday said the rate for RT-PCR and TrueNat tests has been reduced to ₹500 from ₹1,000, while there will be a charge of ₹200 for a rapid antigen test.

On April 12, the state carried out 1,022,182 tests and 583 new cases were detected. The next day, 59,310 tests were done while the number of new cases was around 590. On April 14, 30,065 tests were done and 385 new cases were detected. Sarma said a strict testing regime will be put in place at the airport and railway stations, for which preparation is underway.

“FIR will be lodged against those violating the standard operating procedure (SOP) of Bihu function. FIR will be filed against those appearing in visuals after 11.30 pm,” Sarma said. “If they had a problem with SOP , they could have moved the court.”