Free Testing for COVID-19 patients!

Supreme Court moved to seek modification of order asking private labs to conduct free COVID 19 tests

An orthopaedic surgeon moved the Supreme Court on Saturday; seeking a court amendment of decree on April 8 ordering authorities to ensure that COVID-19 tests are performed free of charge in licensed government and private labs.

What happened earlier?

The Supreme Court had directed the government to ensure that cost-free COVID-19 tests were performed by all licensed laboratories-government or private. This was the Government's mandamus. There was a mandamus to be given as the government proceeded to dither and a public spirited individual knocked at the door of the SC.

1. Nevertheless, when giving the interim guidance on April 8, the Supreme Court had a wider national and international panoramic picture in mind. For lack of Rs 4,500 in any bag, the Supreme Court did not want testing to be impeded or hindered. It was India's weeping need and the Supreme Court rose to the opportunity.
2. However, nevertheless, private laboratories apprehend that they will be financially crippled. Therefore, the government must confidently declare that it will reimburse every rupee for carrying out tests.