New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday modified its earlier order where it had directed to conduct free corona tests across the country including in private labs.
The court said that COVID-19 testing will remain free for EWS, BPL and Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries. It paved the way for private labs to charge up to Rs 4500 for Corona tests.
The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, informed the court that they have limited resources and the fight might continue for 2 more months for which they need to prioritise the resources.
There are 139 government labs where free tests are being given irrespective of the economic status and there may be people who have money and could go to the private labs, added Mehta.
He asked the court to modify the order and what has to be done about private labs can be decided later.
"We started two months ago with one lab. Now 157 labs are there. You will be amazed at the amount of effort we have put in. The Railway coaches turned into the hospital and we have taken over private properties," added Mehta
ICMR contended that Ayushman Bharat covers around 50 crore people who would get free treatment even in the private labs. It also clarified that Rs 4,500 is not the amount that has to be charged from patients but it is the maximum amount which private lab can charge and not more than that.
The apex court acknowledging the government's efforts said that they know the government is doing its best and it can decide the categories which will be eligible for free testing.
Agreeing to modify its earlier order, the court directed that testing have to remain for free for EWS, BPL and AB beneficiaries.
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