Free Covid testing in pvt labs only for the poor, clarifies SC

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:14.04.2020

In a clarification that is expected to boost testing for Covid-19 by private labs, the Supreme Court on Monday said its direction to provide free testing by non-government facilities will be applicable to economically weaker sections of society and people who can afford to do so will have to pay the cost of Rs 4,500 as fixed by the Centre. Testing in government hospitals is already free for all.

The altered order is expected to increase testing by 67 private labs with more than 15,000 collection centres. The order making tests in private labs free had seen the number of samples tested plateauing though not declining. The government welcomed the order, with officials saying the capacity of private labs will be more effectively utilised.

A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan and S Ravindra Bhat agreed with the submission of the Centre that the government should not be burdened to reimburse the testing charges for all as it has already decided that the financially weaker sections covered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana would be getting free testing in private labs and hospitals under the scheme. The Centre also informed the apex court that number of testing could be increased from 15,000 per day to one lakh.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that about 10.7 crore poor and vulnerable families or approximately 50 crore beneficiaries are covered under the scheme and they can avail the benefit of free of cost for Covid-19 test even in private labs, if needed. He contended there is no need for making tests free for people who can afford it. He said 87% testing is done by 157 government labs that are free for everyone and only 67 private labs are allowed to do testing.

Private hospitals also told the court that it will not be possible to provide free testing as kits are imported from other countries involving substantial expenses.

The court, thereafter, clarified its directions passed on April 8 and said the private Labs can continue to charge the for testing of Covid-19 from persons who are able to make payment.

The order making tests in private labs free had seen the number of samples tested plateauing though not declining