Private labs ordered to stop home collection of swabs after found to be overcharging

Setopati

Kathmandu, Aug 24

The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has instructed private laboratories to stop collecting samples from home pointing they have been charging a higher rate.

The NPHL issiong a notice on Monday has ordered the private laboratories with permission to conduct COVID-19 test to stop home collection. "We urge any person wishing to get tested to give swab by being physically present in the health institution concerned," the notice reads.

NPHL Director Dr Runa Jha said private laboratories have been ordered to stop home collection as they have been found to be charging a higher rate in name of collecting samples from home. She added that the private laboratories have been charging a higher rate from VIPs in the name of collecting samples from home and also advertizing to attract commoners toward home collection.

The NPHL has also urged the people to not pay more than the rate of Rs 5,500 the government has fixed for each PCR test.

Published Date: 2020-08-24 16:44:00

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