An intervention application has been filed in the Supreme Court for confining free COVID-19 testing to Economically Weaker section only. A Supreme Court Bench comprising of Justices Ashok Bhushan and Ravindra S Bhathad already called for free COVID-19 testing by private labs on 8th April.
This plea was filed by Dr Kaushant Kant Mishra, a Delhi-based orthopedic surgeon, represented by Advocate Pooja Dhar. The doctor emphasized on the UK model in this regard, where the tests for detecting COVID-19 is not free by private labs.
“It may be noted that in the UK, private labs are charging as much as $425 per test, which is equal to Rs. 32,500. Of course, for those below the poverty line or the EWS categories, the private labs could be directed to carry out free testing provided that the same is reimbursed by the Government.”
Dr. Mishra also raised concerns about the stagnant position of testing of COVID-19 in private labs as doctors require more clarity from the government.
“As per the report in the Indian Express on 10.04.2020, Mumbai based Thyrocare has already said that it is putting its COVID-19 testing on hold until there is further clarity on the finances.”
It was also stated that the government remains unclear about the reimbursement to private labs for COVID-19 testing. The plea also stated that the government must start installing pathogen labs in local municipal and panchayat areas to increase efficiency in testing for COVID-19.
Only National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration (NABL) accredited labs or agencies approved by the World Health Organization or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have to be made eligible for testing.
The plea has also raised questions regarding the cap of Rs. 4,500 on tests for Corona Virus detection as mandated by the advisory of ICMR.
