COVID-19 RT-PCR test capped to Rs 800, down from Rs 2400

New Delhi : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced a discount in the price of COVID-19 RT-PCR test and capped it to a maximum price of Rs 800, from earlier Rs 2400.

"I have directed that the rates of RT-PCR tests be reduced in Delhi. Whereas tests are being conducted free of cost in government establishments, this (price cut) will help those who get their tests done in private labs," Mr Kejriwal tweeted.

Many states, including Maharashtra and Rajasthan, capped the price of the test after ICMR said in May that it will no longer regulate its price and states will have to take its own call.

The cost of an RT-PCR test has come under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, which is hearing a plea seeking directions to cap the cost at Rs 400 across the country.

According to the plea filed in the Supreme Cost, it has been claimed that the states are charging between Rs 900 to Rs 2400 for the test, while the real cost is estimated to be Rs 200.

To increase testing amid the second wave in September, the Delhi government had said residents no longer needed a doctor's prescription to take a coronavirus test.