Chandigarh admn caps RT-PCR test price at ₹299

While earlier the prescribed charges for RT-PCR test in Chandigarh was ₹450, now private labs can charge only up to ₹299

The UT administration on Thursday slashed the charges for Covid-19 tests at private hospitals and laboratories.

No change was made in the charges for rapid antigen test, which costs ₹350 in Chandigarh. (Sant Arora/HT)

While earlier the prescribed charges for RT-PCR test was ₹450, now private labs can charge only up to ₹299.

Also, charges for True Nat test have been capped at ₹1,250 and for IgG-based ELISA test at ₹250. Earlier, there was no cap on these tests.

However, no change was made in the charges for rapid antigen test, which costs ₹350.

“After due consideration and taking into account the cost of kits, consumables and rates fixed by the Haryana and Punjab governments, the Chandigarh administration has revised rates for Covid-19 testing,” UT health secretary Yashpal Garg said.

“In case sample is collected from home, private laboratories may charge up to ₹200 per test in addition to the capped prices. Violators found overcharging will face strict action,” he added.

Chandigarh-specific Covid app launched

In order to provide the public a handy access to all meaningful information on Covid-19, UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday launched the COVA Chd App.