The East Garo Hills district administration had to step in quickly to stop the spread of misinformation with regards to the cost of Covid-19 tests at Williamnagar Civil Hospital.
However, the DC clarified today that, in fact, the requirement to pay for the test would only fall on those in “special cases” where working professionals might need a Covid test report before travelling to another state.
All returnees, high-risk contacts and people with Covid-19 symptoms will still be given free coronavirus tests at government facilities, the clarification said. The DC added that the rate of Rs 3,200 has been set by the National Health Mission and is the same throughout Meghalaya.
Before his clarification the FKJGP and GSU had quickly condemned the cost, calling it “exorbitantly high” and said it risks dissuading people from getting tested for the virus, which could lead to deterioration in the situation.
