Punjab has decided to allow free walk-in test in government hospitals and mobile vans, and similar test at a nominal manpower cost not exceeding Rs 250 by private doctors and hospitals. People who want their result immediately can opt for Rapid Antigen testing while RT-PCR testing will also be similarly available.
The state will also explore similar arrangements for Rapid Antigen testing by pharmacists/chemists, on the lines of private hospitals and doctors.
The decision was taken on Thursday by Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan, who said the government will provide training and kits to private hospitals and doctors for the tests, which will be allowed on the basis of Aadhaar card and mobile numbers, without any questions asked or need for ‘parchis’. With test results available for RAT in 30 minutes, this will lead to substantial increase in testing and early diagnosis and treatment, she said.
Those who test positive through RAT or are symptomatic but negative can be tested again through RTPCR test for confirmation, said the Chief Secretary, while reviewing the Covid situation with the DCs and Civil Surgeons of Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Mohali districts.
The Chief Secretary also asked DCs to explore RAT testing at private hospitals and pharmacies/chemist shops, at a nominal manpower cost not exceeding Rs 250 per test, with proper training and kits to be provided by the government. The test results and data so collected by private hospitals and chemists, etc, can be uploaded on the government portal for further action, she added.
Taking note of the widespread rumour mongering and fake news being spread on Covid, Vini called for elected representatives to step in and reach out directly to the people to clear their misconceptions on the issue. She also underlined the need to involve NGOs, religious organizations, etc, to spread awareness through expansion of the outreach. BDOs should be properly briefed and asked to reach out to the sarpanches in villages to counter the false propaganda, which was endangering lives of people, she added.
Health Secretary Hussain Lal underlined the need for extensive sampling and testing in the five worst affected districts of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Mohali and Amritsar, with focus on the 40+ age group.