SC Makes COVID-19 Testing Free Of Cost, Directs Private Labs Not To Charge Fee For Testing

The Supreme Court on April 8 made tests for coronavirus free in private laboratories. SC directed the government to issue appropriate orders in this regard at the earliest. The petitioner, advocate Shashank Deo Sudhi, submitted that government hospitals are packed to capacity making it difficult for the common man to get tested. The tests are free in government laboratories. SC said the current charges capped at Rs 4500 will be beyond the reach of the poor. The court said it would examine later if private labs conducting the tests free of cost would be entitled to reimbursements. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre said that around 15000 tests are being done on a daily basis by over 100 laboratories. Private labs have also been asked to do testing in view of the spread, Mehta informed the court.