KATHMANDU, Sep 28: Although the government has set the rate for RT-PCR testing at Rs 2,000, eight private hospitals have defied the government directive and are charging almost double the amount for PCR test. 

Issuing a joint press statement, eight private hospitals and laboratories said that they are not following the government’s directive, and are charging Rs 3,899 for per RT-PCR test.

The hospitals and laboratories “challenging” the government directive are Star, HAMS, B&B, Nepal Mediciti, Decode Genomics and Research Center, Saurya Health Care, Central Diagnostic Laboratory and Intrepid Diagnostic Center.

They [private hospitals and labs] claim that the rate set by the Ministry of Health and Population is unrealistic. They argue that Rs 3,899 has been set scientifically in line with the standards of the World Health Organization.

 
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