COVID-19 tests in all laboratories including Private ones to be FREE OF COST: Supreme Court

COVID-19 tests whether in Private Lab or Govt Lab to be free of cost:  Supreme Court

The number of patients suffering from COVID-19 is rapidly increasing Worldwide with death toll rising rapidly. In our country, in spite of various measures taken by the Government of India and different State Government/Union Territory the number of patients and death caused by it is increasing day by day. Our country has a very large population.

While hearing a Public Interest Litigation under Article 32 against the advisory dated 17.03.2020 issued by Indian Council of Medical Research Department of Health Research, as it fixed Rs.4500 for screening and confirming COVID-19. 

The Supreme Court of India Today issued interim directions to Government of India to immediately issue necessary directions that tests relating to COVID-19 in all approved laboratories including private laboratories shall be free of cost.

The court observed that :-

At this time of national calamity permitting private Labs to charge Rs.4500 for screening and confirmation test of COVID-19 may not be within means of a large part of population of this country and no person be deprived to undergo the COVID-19 test due to non- payment of capped amount of Rs.4500.

The question as to whether the private Laboratories carrying free of cost COVID-19 tests are entitled for any reimbursement of expenses incurred shall be considered later on. 

The court while passing the order also said that :-

The private Hospitals including Laboratories have an important role to play in containing the scale of pandemic by extending philanthropic services in the hour of national crisis.

Tests relating to COVID-19 must be carried out in NABL accredited Labs or any agencies approved by WHO or ICMR.

Link to the complete order of Supreme court below :-