How to Get Covid-19 Test Free of Cost in India?

Due to the government schemes, the poor are eligible for free Covid-19 test in India and treatment without cost at any government approved hospital.

 

Ever since the WHO (World Health Organization) declared novel coronavirus or the Covid-19 a global pandemic, governments across the world are putting their act together to contain its spread, ‘flatten the curve’, and provide relief to the people. The pandemic has disrupted the world entirely and wreaked havoc on entire sectors. It is a calamity of immense proportions that has stressed the need for public healthcare and robust initiatives. In India, the government took active steps to check the growth of the contagion, issued safety guidelines and launched contact tracing apps to provide fresh updates.  The Indian government also made Covid-19 test free of cost at government-approved laboratories.

This blog will help you know all about the free Covid -19 test.

 

Need of Free Covid Test

The impending danger of the coronavirus is very serious, given the underprivileged population of the country, and testing is the only way to contain the pandemic. However, it is very difficult for the average citizen to get themselves tested in government hospitals/labs. Since there is no other option in sight, people are forced to pay the capped amount to private hospitals/labs to protect their lives. People were already struggling financially due to the nationwide lockdown for which the government decided to bring the covid -19 test price to zero at various centres.

 

Ways to Get Covid-19 Test for Free

 

Government Hospitals

 

Covid-19 tests are conducted free of cost at government hospitals across the country. You can visit the nearest government hospital and get yourself tested.

 

• Call the COVID-19 helpline number: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 (Toll-Free) and inform about your symptoms.
• Upon being considered eligible for testing as per government protocols, get tested at a government lab.

 

Government Covid-19 Testing Centres

 

The government has set up Covid-19 testing centres across the country where you can get tested for free. You can check with your local healthcare department or district administration to find the nearest testing centre.

 

Government-Sponsored Community Testing Camps

The government conducts community testing camps in areas with a high number of Covid-19 cases. You can get tested for free at these camps.

 

Private Test Centres

Testing at private labs would be done as per the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) guidelines, as per which Covid-19 test cost has been capped at INR 4500.  There are two tests: initial screening would cost 1500 INR and final test would cost 3000. It's only after the second test, that it can be known whether a person is COVID-19 positive or negative.

 

Private labs usually take up to 48 hours to report the test results, while government approved labs can provide them within 24 hours as well. Due to irregularities in Covid-19 test cost in India, the government came up with strict guidelines.

 

While tracing, testing and treatment is the only way to break the chain of transmission and get back to normalcy, there is also a need to strictly follow all guidelines and basic precautions like social distancing, hand washing/sanitizing and wearing a face mask while stepping out.

 

Government Schemes for Free Covid-19 Treatment

Indian governments Ayushman Bharat Yojana provides free healthcare to the poor and downtrodden sections. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, PMAJAY helped the deprived, vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society. This scheme also covers the full cost for Covid-19 testing and treatment. Those eligible for the scheme can get tested for free anywhere and can get treated at any government authorized hospital. This widened the access of healthcare to the poor and the needy.

 

Anyone who gets tested under the PMAJY can get admitted at any hospital and show his PMJAY ecard to avail free treatment. By calling on 14555 it can be known whether a person is eligible for treatment under the scheme or not. IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) issued a notification to insurance companies to cover treatment expenses of Covid-19. Corona Kavach is the family health insurance plan for Covid-19 that will cover treatment cost as well as hospitalization expenses.

 

Conclusion:

In case of any symptoms, call the Covid-19 helpline number without any delay. Timely diagnosis can save lives and help prevent the virus from affecting lungs and other vital organs of the body. Senior citizens and those with comorbidities should get Covid-19 test done even in the case of mild symptoms. Following guidelines, taking precautions and a safe behaviour are the only ways to defeat the pandemic.