No one in this world is unaware of the novel coronavirus across the world. This disease has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization last year (i.e. 2020). It is a communicable disease that spreads through the droplets of an infected person to another. If you come in contact with an infected person, a small drop from his/her mouth or nose can infect you. Moreover, you can also get infected if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching the contaminated surface.
To determine the virus in the human body, a lab test is needed. In this test, respiratory specimensare taken and tested. Due to this ongoing pandemic, the Indian government has decided to make the testing of COVID-19 free at any of the government hospitals and laboratories.
How to Get Free COVID-19 Test in India?
The Indian government is taking all the required steps to make sure the safety of its citizens from this pandemic. Apart from implementing and stressing all the needed precautionary measures to break the chain of coronavirus spread, it has made the testing in all the government labs and hospitals free. So, if you or your family member has symptoms of coronavirus, you can get the coronavirus test done by following the below-mentioned steps:
- Call the helpline number of COVID-19: Call the helpline number 1075 (toll-free) or +91-11-23978046 for any kind of support related to COVID-19.
- Report your symptoms: If you are required to get tested, report your symptoms. If you qualify for the testing of this virus as per the government protocol, you will be able to get tested at government-approved laboratories.
- Get yourself tested:You can walk down to any of the government-approved laboratories or hospitals in your area and get the test done for free.
If you want to go to a private hospital or laboratory for testing, then you have to bear the cost of the test. However, if you have a health insurance plan, your insurance provider will reimburse the cost of treatment.
Cost of COVID-19 Test at Private Hospitals and Laboratories
If you prefer private laboratories for getting your test done, we are providing some information here:
Until April 2020, most of the private labs and hospitals were charging up to Rs.4,500 per person to test COVID-19. This test was including a screening test of Rs. 1,500 and a test to confirm of Rs. 3,000. Since the price of the test was expensive and not within the limit of the majority of the Indian population, so the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) asked the private hospitals and labs to conduct this test at subsidized rates.
With this intervention of the government of India, all the private labs and hospitals across the country have cut down the coronavirus testing cost by a good percentage. For example, the coronavirus testing cost in New Delhi is capped at Rs. 2,400 and in Maharashtra, it is ranging from Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 2,800. In the same manner, the government of Uttar Pradesh slashed the rates from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 2,500/ person. In Tamil Nadu, the private hospitals and labs are charging Rs. 3,000 for the testing of COVID-19 and home visit additional Rs. 500 are charged. The government of Karnataka has capped the price of coronavirus testing at Rs. 2,500. Moreover, the private labs and hospitals in West Bengal have slashed the price of this test by 45%.
Free COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
The Indian Government has made the treatment and testing of the novel coronavirus free under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and Ayushman Bharat scheme. This step has been taken to control the spread of the virus across the country and to offer timely treatment to those who are infected but are poor and underprivileged.
The Final Words!
The coronavirus continues to spread across the world and in India, its second wave is really dangerous. At this stage, it is necessary to take all the required precautions like maintaining social distance and washing hands in regular intervals. In addition to this, if you feel any of the symptoms of coronavirus, you must get the testing done as soon as possible so that you can undergo the right treatment at right time.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.