Free COVID-19 Testing At Private Labs Only For Ayushman Bharat Beneficiaries

On Monday, the Supreme Court clarified that free COVID-19 testing in private labs should only be available to those eligible under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, saying it should be free for the poorest of the country and not everyone.

The change in order comes after opposition from on the apex court's 8 April order that asked for the central government to ensure free testing at private labs for all Indians. These establishments sort clarity on how they would be reimbursed for the costs.

After hearing submissions on video-conferences, the court made changes to make free private lab testing available only to the poorest in the country and has directed the Centre to issue guidelines within a week on listing other categories of economically weaker sections that should be included.

It has also asked the government to publicise the court's order to make those eligible aware of the facility.

About 107 million families are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and are already eligible for free testing in government and private labs.

The court also clarified that private labs can continue to charge people who are able to pay the fee of Rs 4,500 per COVID-19 test.