Coronavirus Update- Delhi Doctor Moves SC Seeking Modification Of Order For Free Coronavirus Testing

A Delhi-based doctor on Saturday moved the Supreme Court seeking a modification of its earlier order that directed that testing be made free in both government and private hospitals. The orthopedist contends that this verdict will put additional burden on the private labs and disincentivise them.

As per a CNBC TV18 post, the petition says that many private labs already have reservations about testing unless there is clarity given on how funding will be done. It notes that no clarification has so far been given by the centre or State governments when it comes to reimbursements.Utkarsh Anand, the legal editor of the publication adds that the plea suggests that it should be made free only EWS patients, with immediate reimbursement by the government.

As per reports, a hearing is likely to be held next week.On Wednesday the Supreme Court of India asked the Centre to ensure that all coronavirus tests were made available free of costs.

"The tests relating to COVID-19 whether in approved Government Laboratories or approved private Laboratories shall be free of cost. The respondents shall issue necessary direction in this regard immediately," a bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and Shripathi Ravindra Bhat had written. They had also said that the testing must be carried out in NABL accredited labs or by agencies that have been approved by the World Health Organisation or the ICMR.

Keep in mind that tests while made free in some places, had earlier had a cap of Rs 4,500 when it came to private agencies and hospitals.

#CoronavirusUpdate | Delhi based doctor moves Supreme Court, seeks modification of the SC order directing free testing for COVID-19 by private labs pic.twitter.com/6fpdgOSmW9

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) April 11, 2020

#Delhi-based Orthopedist moves #SupremeCourt for modification of #FreeCovidTests order.

Plea says this will put extra burden on pvt labs, disincentivize them. Make it free only for EWS patients with immediate reimbursement by Govt, says Dr KK Mishra. Hearing likely next week. https://t.co/uQiOzVw8Ly

— Utkarsh Anand (@utkarsh_aanand) April 11, 2020