SC directs Centre to Ensure uniformity in COVID-19 testing rates

New Delhi: The Supreme Court told the Centre on Friday that there should be uniformity in Covid-19 testing rates of all the state governments, and it should coordinate on this.

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M.R. Shah directed the Centre to set up a committee to fix Covid testing rates state-wise.

"In some states it is Rs 2,200 and in some it is Rs 4,500. We will not fix a rate. You fix a rate," Justice Shah told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre.

Mehta replied that it is better to leave it to the states, as some may be discussing to have even lower rates for testing.

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The bench said, "You fix the upper limit. States will do the rest."

Justice Bhushan also emphasised that reasonable rates be fixed for Covid-19 tests, and there must be uniformity across the country.

The bench was hearing a case where it took suo moto cognizance of lapses in Covid-19 patient care and mishandling of bodies.

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