The Karnataka government on Wednesday issued an order announcing a price cap on dengue tests amid a surge in cases in the state, in private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.
The order was implemented a day after Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials to discuss and determine a price cap on dengue-related tests.
A total of Rs 600 has been fixed for two types of tests—Rs 300 each for NS1 antigen test and IgM testing. Private hospitals and laboratories are prohibited from charging more than Rs 600 for these tests as per the order.
Dengue cases have been on the rise in the state, with over 5,000 cases and six deaths reported this year, including one in Bengaluru.
Dengue detection and treatment are free of cost in government hospitals.
However, Rao had instructed health department officials to take action, so that even private hospitals do not charge exorbitant prices for dengue tests.
The Health Minister, who has already held a meeting with the officials and given instructions about the precautionary measures to control dengue, will convene a meeting via video conference with deputy commissioners in the districts and officials concerned on Thursday.
He will also review preventive measures taken by the authorities to control vector-borne diseases.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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