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Goa Govt caps rates for COVID-19 tests
Panaji: In a major decision, the Goa State government capped uniform rates for various diagnostic tests for COVID-19 in State-run as well as private hospitals in Goa.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the rate for fully automated RT-PCR has been capped at Rs 2,430 per test while for a semi-automated RT-PCR the rate applicable is Rs 1,400.
For conventional RT-PCR, the person will have to shell out Rs 1,188 per test. The rapid antigen test will now be charged Rs 580.
Health Under Secretary Swati Dalvi said the rates are inclusive of sample transportation and other costs.
Goa government was facing heat over high charges for RT-PCR tests. While in government-run hospitals the rates were Rs 2,500 (only for travel purposes), in private hospitals, the rates were Rs 4,500.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had said the government has laid emphasis on 70 per cent RT-PCR tests while only 30 per cent antigen is being done. On an average, the State conducts over 1500 tests per day.
Meanwhile, in yet another order, the government has constituted a Fire Audit Committee for COVID-19 hospitals headed by the medical superintendent.
It has also appointed nodal officers for each designated COVID-19 hospitals and also for the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) for ensuring compliance of all fire safety measures.