Government Puts Cap of Rs 2500 on H1N1 Test

The Karnataka Health Department has fixed an upper limit fee of Rs. 2,500 for testing H1N1 samples in private laboratories authorised to conduct tests. Health Minister U.T. Khader said authorities at NIMHANS and Manipal (Udupi) had been directed to conduct the tests free of cost.

Of the six sentinel laboratories in the State, NIMHANS is the only government facility that is testing samples from across the State. The other four are located in Manipal Hospital Bengaluru, Command Hospital Air Force, Narayana Nethralaya and Narayana Hrudayalaya.

Mr. Khader said the State had a stock of 400 testing kits, which would be provided to NIMHANS. “Both patients from private and government hospitals can get the test done for free here. We have asked Manipal (Udupi) to conduct the tests free and the government will reimburse the cost,” he said.

“There is no shortage of H1N1 medicines in the State. We have stocks not only to meet the requirements in our State, but also to provide it to other affected States, or even directly to the Centre if they require it,” the Minister added.



Source-Medindia