Belated test result, test fee affecting fight against Covid
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 24 2021: Though the government encourages the public to get themselves tested if they are suspicious of Covid-19 infection, charging money for such voluntary test in government facilities and delay in providing test results are not only hampering the fight against the pandemic but also engendering the lives of many.

There are several reports of such belated confirmation of the health status leading to delay in administering required medication and worsening of patient's condition.

Talking to The People's Chronicle, some people said that they have been to the government sample collection centre for undergoing RTPCR test after they experience symptoms similar to that of Covid-19.However, they are still waiting for their test results even after two days.

In the meantime, condition of the people showing symptoms are worsening and they are not sure what to do in such a situation.

At the same time, due to delay in providing the test results, those who come in close contact with any of the potential Covid infected person will continue to spread the virus among their family members and friends thereby increasing the chances of further transmission.

On the other hand, the government sample collection centres charge Rs 500 for RTPCR and Rs 160 for RAT from those, whose names are not in the contact tracing list.

Being suspicious, these people come to the centre to get tested despite knowing the risks of getting out from home and entering the sample collection centres where hundreds of infected people visit daily.

When enquired, an official at the testing centre said that test charge is free for those in the contact tracing list, senior citizens and children only.

While there may be certain reasons for charging money from people coming for voluntary test but it has severely hampered the government's fight against the pandemic as several poor people who are not able to afford the charge are hiding their symptoms and conditions leading to further transmission of the infectious virus in the community.

Expressing concern over the situation, a health expert, on the condition of anonymity, told TPC that the government needs to strengthen its test capacity and carry out aggressive tracing and testing while at the same time reduce the delay in providing test results in order to successfully contain the virus.

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