Kolkata: The State Government on Thursday, reducing testing costs RT-PCR almost half to Rs 500 from Rs 950, bringing it par or lower than costs in other Metros.
RT-PCR, which stands for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction are considered the gold standard for detecting viruses Covid-19.
Regulatory Commission of West Bengal Clinical Establishment (WBCERC) revising the charges after more than a year said the new rate will apply to all private laboratories with immediate effect.
Costs of collecting additional homes per km RS15 remains unchanged.
“We have received an order to revise the cost of RT-PCR.
The test now will cost Rs 500.
The cost of the reagent has dropped drastically.
Therefore, the revision of tariffs,” said WBCERC Chief Justice (retired) Ashim Kumar Banerjee.
TOI on Wednesday has reported high RT-PCR test in Bengal and how to charge for the same test is much lower in other countries.
A young man, Ajay Mittal, has launched a petition to change.
org demanding cost reductions in Bengal.
Until Thursday, people have to spend Rs 950 for the test.
“There has been a visible reduction in the market price of testing reagents and kits RT-PCR, RNA extraction kits, VTM, therefore, felt that the notified tariff reduction has become a public concern,” said the order barring the cost of test.
RT-PCR test fees last revised from Rs 1,500 to Rs 950 on 3 December 2020.
The other state government has revised the rate several times.
“I am sure that once the problem is highlighted, the government will revise interest rates publicly.
I’m grateful.
However, if the drop-out rate at the cost of PPE and other components that will ensure no more confusion,” said Mittal.
An RT-PCR test in Delhi costs Rs 300 in the private lab, while in Mumbai, the cost of Rs 500 after the Maharashtra government to revise the level at the beginning of December.
Cost of tests in several states, including Kerala, Gujarat, Up, Karnataka and Chandigarh each is Rs 500, 400, 700, 500 and 299.
“We are also looking for the cost of test by CBNAAT and Truenat.
The problem is being considered,” added banerjee.
CBNAAT and Truenat is another method of confirming tests Covid-19 faster.
For a collection of houses, private lab can continue to charge an additional fee of Rs 15 per km as the cost of transportation.