Private lab at Hyderabad airport charges Rs 3,400 for RT-PCR test, passengers fume

GMR which runs Delhi and Hyderabad airports have the highest rapid RT-PCR test rate (3500 and 3400 respectively).

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Earlier, the health authorities had issued notices to the lab and airport after receiving complaints from international passengers. (Representational Image)

Telangana health authorities have started detaining passengers arriving 2% of the passengers from non-risk countries until their RT-PCR test reports return negative results. Now, activists Vijay Gopal has pointed out the pricing, and termed it a gimmick by labs exploiting the international flyers. GMR which runs Delhi and Hyderabad airports have the highest rapid RT-PCR test rate (3500 and 3400 respectively).

However, Normal RT-PCR which gives results in 4-6 hours cost 500 and 750 respectively at both airports. The airport says that passengers also have an option to go for a basic RT-PCR test which is available to passengers at the government prescribed rates of Rs 750. ‘’The rapid RT-PCR is an optional test that is more specialised and the rates have recently been brought down from Rs 4500 to Rs 3400’’ said the airport sources. When asked about the sharp price, Telangana health director said that the government is in consultation with the airport and lab and will soon bring an order to reduce the price. Earlier, the health authorities had issued notices to the lab and airport after receiving complaints from international passengers.