Price of Covid tests by the private sector in Bengal reduced from Rs 2,250 to Rs 1,500 (Representative)
Calcutta:
Private hospitals in Kolkata have hailed the state government’s decision to reduce the cost of the COVID-19 test from Rs 2,250 to Rs 1,500 as well as to set prices for ambulance services.
They have now called on the state government to consider reducing the GST on COVID-19 test kits.
“As the state government caps the cost of the COVID test at Rs 1,500, we will implement it in accordance with the directive, given that we are in a period of a pandemic. However, we would also like to present our case to the government to reconsider the rate as this is not financially viable for us, given the cost of the reagent, test kit and infrastructure. “
“Contrary to popular belief, private hospitals have suffered losses in the past eight months, which will further affect our condition,” said Rupak Barua, CEO of AMRI Hospitals Group.
Sudipta Mitra, the managing director of Peerless Hospital, when contacted, told the PTI news agency: “Yes, we will definitely follow what the state government has decided. We will follow it. for humanitarian reasons because we believe it is our social responsibility. But we will too. ask the government to consider reducing the GST on kits needed to perform COVID-19 testing, just like what has been done for PPE kits. “
Senior physician Dr Syamasis Bandyopadhyay of Apollo Hospital said during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people should see this as their responsibility to society.
“There is no option to create controversy with this state government initiative. We welcome this decision. But simultaneously, people must adhere to health protocol and take precautionary measures to keep disease at bay. “said Dr Bandyopadhyay.
The state cabinet on Monday reduced the rate of COVID-19 tests in the private sector from Rs 2,250 to Rs 1,500, fearing a rise in contagion in the coming weeks, when the state will attend the Durga Puja festivals .
The West Bengal Clinical Regulatory Commission, following a request from the state government, set Rs 3,000 as an ambulance charge for transporting COVID-19 patients given the distance of transport.
(Except for the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
