Chandigarh: In order to encourage people to get tested for COVID-19 to curb the spread of the virus in the state, the Punjab govt has allowed free walk-in testing in govt hospitals and mobile vans. The govt has also allowed similar tests at a nominal cost not exceeding Rs 250 by private doctors and hospitals.
People who want their result immediately can opt for Rapid Antigen testing while RT-PCR testing will also be similarly available.
The state will also explore similar arrangements for Rapid Antigen testing by pharmacists/chemists, on the lines of private hospitals and doctors.
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State Chief Secretary, Vini Mahajan, who took the decision, said that the government will provide training and kits to private hospitals and doctors for the tests. To further ease the testing process, testing will be allowed on the basis of Aadhar card and mobile numbers. The test results and data so collected can be uploaded to the govt portal for further action.
With test results available for RAT in 30 minutes, this will lead to a substantial increase in testing and early diagnosis and treatment, she said.
The Cheif Secretary was reviewing the COVID situation with the DCs and Civil Surgeons of Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Mohali districts.
