Private Labs Can Charge for Corona Tests, Cost for Free Test to be Reimbursed by Govt: SC

Moneylife Digital Team 13 April 2020

Economy & Nation

The Supreme Court on Monday while altering its order says that private laboratories can charge Rs4,500 for corona virus (COVID-19) tests from all except those covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana and any other category of economically weaker sections of the society as notified by the government. Even for these free tests, the government is asked to reimburse the cost to private labs.

The matter was taken up by the apex court at 3pm. After hearing both sides represented by solicitor general Tushar Mehta and senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, the SC decided to vacate its earlier order passed on 8th April. The solicitor general submitted that there are 157 government labs where people can get free testing, irrespective of economic status.

The bench of Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Ravindra Bhat says, "Private labs are not obligated to provide free testing to all, but only to such persons who are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The cost of test under Ayushman Bharat scheme will be reimbursed by the government."

"The government of India, ministry of health and family welfare may issue necessary guidelines for reimbursement of cost of free testing of COVID19 undertaken by private Labs and necessary mechanism to defray expenses and reimbursement to the private labs," the bench added.

One Dr Kaushal Kant had filed the application before the apex court contending that direction for free testing will affect the functioning of private labs.

Last week, the same bench had said, "The tests relating to COVID-19 whether in approved government laboratories or approved private laboratories shall be free of cost. The respondent (govt) shall issue necessary direction in this regard immediately."

"Tests relating to COVID-19 must be carried out in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited labs or agencies approved by World Health Organisation (WHO) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)," the apex court had said.

Comments

User

raviforjustice

6 years ago

Now who will address the problem of private labs generating false claims? It is common knowledge how the nexus between doctors and private labs thrive in our country even during normal times.

prime

Replied to raviforjustice comment 6 years ago

That is quite simple - for claiming any subsidy, the private lab should validate and record the Aadhaar number of the patient who has claimed the free test. This is the perfect use case for using the Aadhaar system to provide reimbursement without leakage.

doctordhanbpathi

6 years ago

CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS:

In the US the price for coronavirus diagnosis is Rs.3.5 lacs; whereas in India, the stipulated cost in a private Lab is Rs.4500/= the cost must be reduced to just Rs.50/= or 100/=; so that more citizens can seek the test comfortably.

FREE ONLINE & INSTANT DIAGNOSIS* OF COVID-2019 + IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED ORGANS BY ACUPRESSURE TECHNIQUES, subject to confirmation by the modern investigative device[s].
T & C--WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO AVAIL FREE ONLINE DIAGNOSIS OF CORONAVIRUS:

[i]. A stronger person [than the patient] must study this entire note, discuss it with others to understand the contents. [ii]. Down load the acupressure maps & contact on any day between 11.00 am-5.00 pm. For Free ONLINE Assistance-contact 91- 98493-67207 [email protected]
[iv]. Any suspected patients may have Dry Cough + itching throat, Fever above 100Â° Fahrenheit & difficult breathing + extreme fatigue; so that diagnosis is accurate to go in for coronavirus test in a designated diagnostic hospital/lab.

Palms & Soles: [3] Acupressure Maps-
https://lnkd.in/fbPrnRD
https://lnkd.in/fNw2tpB
https://lnkd.in/fYqBwmH

NOTE: Dr.Vora designed the diagnostic procedures, with the aid of acupressure techniques, so simple that even the poorest of the poor in remote villages/hamlets, all the youngsters [the future of this mother â€œEARTHâ€] with little knowledge & serious efforts, can know instantaneously @ no costs all over the globe. However,
â€œThe language is very simple to understand. No confusion at all. U may study the details, discuss with Ur family members and friends and understand the concept of â€˜Acupressureâ€™ and confirm for yourself if U or anybody else has COVID 2019 and identify the affected organs.
Diagnosis--With the help of Acupressure maps published herein, hard press these points with Ur thumb and middle finger and find out if all/most of Acupoints are tender. If all these or most of these points are very painful on thumb pressure, it means one has CORONAVIRUS POSITIVE. However, cross-check with coronavirus symptoms. Any suspected patients may have Dry Cough + itching throat, Fever above 100Â° Fahrenheit & difficult breathing + extreme fatigue
7. Organs affected in coronavirus victims-Lungs[30], Brain[1], Tonsils[6], Kidneys[26] & Liver[23], Thyroid [8].etc.
8. Acupressure Point Nos.1-10 -----1 [brain], 2 [Mental Nerves], 3 [Pituitary gland], 4 [Pineal gland], 5 [Head Nerves], 6 [Throat], 7 [Neck], 8 [Thyroid & Parathyroid], 9 [Spine], 10 [piles-constipation], , Point Nos.11-16, No.11 [Prostate gland], 12 [Penis], 13 [Vagina], 14. Testes & Ovaries], 15 [Uterus], 16 [Lymph], 17 [Hip], 18 [Urinary Bladder], 19 [intestines], 21 [appendix-front side], and 21 [allergy-back side]; 22[gall bladder], 23 [liver], 24[Shoulder], 25[Pancreas], 26[kidney], 27[Stomach], 28[Adrenal gland], 29[Solar Plexus-Nabhi Chakra-Umbelicus], 30[Lungs], 31[Ear], 32[Energy], 33[Nerves of ear], 34[Cold], 35[Eye], 36[Heart], 37 [spleen]. 38 [Thymus].

prime

Replied to doctordhanbpathi comment 6 years ago

Doctor dhanbpati, do you want to talk about the test cost or do you want to peddle accupressure? Please decide.

doctordhanbpathi

Replied to prime comment 6 years ago

Unfortunately, nowadays, even a free offer of service, people like you read between lines. Psh! Psh! Please, also note that your comment acts as a springboard to generate more & more inspiring comments all over the globe. Please, continue to share your enlightening + well-matured ideas; notwithstanding whether the comments are in tune with jet-speed social change; so that it evokes a further reaction from others.