Coronavirus | ICMR removes ₹4,500 cap on COVID-19 test

The Indian Council of Medical Research has written to all the States and the Union Territories, suggesting that the upper ceiling of ₹4,500 for the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test be removed so that they can negotiate with the approved laboratories and introduce cheaper tests. “The earlier suggested upper ceiling of ₹4,500, vide letter dated March 17, may not be applicable now and, therefore, all State governments/Union Territory administrations are advised to negotiate with private labs and fix a mutual agreeable price for samples being sent by the government for private individuals desirous of testing.,” it said. Interactive map of confirmed coronavirus cases in India |State-wise tracker for coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates The Health Ministry has said critical services for women, children and adolescents should be provided irrespective of their COVID-19 status and under no circumstances should they be denied essential services. In its latest guidance note on the provision of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health + Nutrition services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry has said, “Any area exiting a ‘containment/buffer zone’ can start RMNCAH+N activities after a minimum gap of 14 days following de-listing, while an area entering a ‘containment/buffer zone’ should restrict RMNCAH+N activities immediately and follow listed protocol.” India coronavirus lockdown Day 64 updates | Helpline numbers The Ministry has said not-for-profit/private sector hospitals can be involved in the provision of non-COVID-19 essential services wherever the public sector capacity needs to be supported. Download The Hindu’s multi-language e-book on essential COVID-19 information “Our recovery rate is now 42.4%, with a fatality rate of 2.86%, whereas the world average is 6.36%,” the Ministry said.