Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister and home minister Dr G Parameshwara has asked the health department to take action against hospitals and diagnostic centres found charging more than Rs. 2,500 for H1N1 tests.
In a letter sent to the health department, Parameshwara directed them to monitor the situation across the state in connection with the H1N1 outbreak. “There are reports that in a few places up to Rs. 10,000 is being charged for H1N1 tests. The government has fixed the test fee at Rs. 2,500. If any hospital or lab found is found violating this order, the department must initiate action immediately,” he instructs in the letter.
Meanwhile, in districts including Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru where the highest number of H1N1 cases have been reported, the district health departments are providing lab tests for free. “The samples are collected and sent to Manipal for tests. Samples are also collected from the private hospitals,” said authorities.
