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Rise in dengue cases in Karnataka: Rates for tests in private hospitals, diagnostic centres capped

Exercising its powers under the Karnataka Communicable Disease Act, 2020, the government has fixed the tariffs of ELISA and Rapid card tests.

BySouth First Desk

Published Jul 04, 2024 | 8:27 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 04, 2024 | 1:49 PM

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Amid a surge in dengue cases in the state, the Karnataka government on Wednesday, 4 July issued an order announcing a price cap on dengue tests in private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories.

The state government, excercising its powers under the Karnataka Communicable Disease Act, 2020, has fixed the tariffs of ELISA and Rapid card tests. The move comes a day after Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao directed officials to deliberate and fix a price cap on dengue-related tests.

A total of ₹600 has been fixed for two types of tests. As per the fixed tariff, Dengue ELISA NS1 is priced at ₹300, Dengue ELISA Igm is priced at ₹300 and rapid card test is at ₹250. Following the order, private hospitals and laboratories cannot charge more than ₹600 for these tests.

#Karnataka: In the wake of surging dengue cases, the state government excising the powers under the Karnataka Communicable Disease Act, 2020, has fixed the tariffs of ELISA and Rapid card test.

The private hospitals, private laboratories have been directed to follow the new… pic.twitter.com/HlLJhRK9Ks

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Dengue cases have been on the rise in the state with over 5,000 cases and six deaths reported this year including one in Bengaluru. Dengue detection and treatment are free of cost in government hospitals.

However, Rao had instructed Health department officials to take action so that even private hospitals do not charge exorbitant prices for dengue tests. The Health Minister, who has already held a meeting with the officials and given instructions about the precautionary measures to control dengue, will convene a meeting via video conference with deputy commissioners in the districts and officials concerned on 4 July.

He will also review preventive measures taken by the authorities to control vector-borne diseases.

(Edited by Neena with PTI inputs)

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