The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved four new private hospitals/health institutions to conduct testing for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). As of now, only institutions like the Kasturba Hospital and KEM Hospital are conducting coronavirus tests, and it’s worth pointing out that they’re doing it free of charge. The ICMR mentioned that it received applications from 20 firms for setting up coronavirus testing labs, with only four companies getting the approval.
Thyrocare
Suburban Diagnostics
Metropolis Healthcare Ltd Mumbai
H N Reliance Foundation Hospital
The authorities are reportedly going through other applications right now, including from PD Hinduja hospital, which is expected to receive testing permissions soon. Further, it is believed that two more testing points are being set up at JJ Hospital in Byculla and Haffkine Institute in Parel, respectively.
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As for the hospitals permitted to conduct testing, the ICMR has advised them to cap the price per test to Rs 4,500 and increase tests on asymptomatic patients i.e. patients with no symptoms of the coronavirus.
The authorities have also modified the criteria for testing and also recommended healthcare workers and citizens with serious respiratory illnesses to get tested even if they don’t have a history of travel to an affected location. This is crucial given that these are two of the most vulnerable groups in the midst of this global pandemic.
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