Private players appeal against SC's ruling of free COVID-19 tests

According to a Times Now report, the private players said the order was passed without hearing their side, and free COVID-19 tests will affect them adversely. They also said the ruling was "against natural justice".

The necessary ability, qualification and equipment to carry out the tests required huge investment, making free tests impossible, they asserted.

They said the government hospitals are already offering free tests to those who cannot afford Rs 4,500 for COVID-19 test, adding that "government labs are best equipped to utilize taxpayers’ money and have funds at their disposal to conduct these 'free' tests". They argued that this burden cannot be passed on to the private players as this threatens their operations.

Further more, the drastic reduction in the regular tests have slashed the revenue amid lockdown, they said and added, "We have to continue to pay its fixed costs i.e. salaries to its employees, rent for the centres, overhead costs etc. during the interregnum, which is becoming difficult."

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the government to ensure that the novel coronavirus tests must be conducted for free at all state-run or private diagnostic labs across the country.

"We find prima facie substance in the submission of petitioner that at this time of national calamity permitting private Labs to charge Rs 4,500 for screening and confirmation test of COVID-19 may not be within means of a large part of population of this country and no person be deprived to undergo the COVID-19 test due to non- payment of capped amount of Rs 4,500," the Supreme Court had said in the ruling.