CT scan price cap ignored by diagnostic centres: ASRAA

Visakhapatnam: The Advocates Association for Social Responsibility and Awareness (ASRAA) is gearing up to carry out protests across the state over alleged violations by private hospitals and diagnostic centres of the government order that fixes the charge of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan for Covid-19 tests.

ASRAA chief patron Habeeb Sultan Ali on Sunday told TOI that as per GO Ms No 78 dated July 20, 2020, the maximum price for HRCT for a Covid-19 test was Rs 2,500.

“But many private diagnostic centres across the state are violating government orders and collecting excess amount from the people,” he said, citing the example of a diagnostic center in Vizag city that charged Rs 4,300 for a scan.

“I have bills of some diagnostic centres that charged over and above what the GO set out. We submitted a representation to all the DMHOs and collectors of 13 districts in the state, besides the chief secretary. We also conducted a formal protest at Gandhi statue in Visakhapatnam on October 5,” Ali said.

Andhra Pradesh state Covid control special officer Dr C Prabhakar Reddy told TOI that apart from the HRCT scan, other tests based on blood samples are being conducted which are not necessary for people with mild symptoms.