CHENNAI: Following complaints that private labs were charging exorbitant rates for conducting swine flu related tests,the State Health and Family Department has fixed the rate of the test at Rs 3,750 on Saturday.
Speaking to Express, K Kolandaswamy, Director of Public Health, said that a meeting was held with all private labs and government officials before fixing the rate.
“However, the government is closely monitoring the functioning of private labs. The public can lodge complaints with the department if they find any overcharging or irregularities in the testing process. We have given strict instructions to private labs,” he added.
About three to four new swine flu cases are being reported in the State everyday, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. “For each confirmed case, the public health department is doing a case management study which involves treating those who come in contact with the infected, and disinfecting surrounding areas are being done immediately,” he added.
Tests Positive
A 37-year-old woman who was admitted to the quarantine ward of the Kanyakumari Government Medical College Hospital in Nagercoil on Saturday has tested positive for H1N1. Her condition is said to be stable and hospital sources said that she is responding to treatment.
Seven of her kin and neighbours were administered Chemoprophylaxis.