Question : High Rate of RT-PCR Test at Airports

(a) the details of rate charged at airports for compulsory RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests for international passengers;
(b) whether it is a fact that cost of the tests exceed Rs 3000 in several airports including Indira Gandhi International Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the reason for the inflated price of tests inside the airports; and
(d) the reasons for an RT-PCR test on arrival if the passengers have already undergone Covid test prior to boarding?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD))

(a) to (d): The rates for RT-PCR / Rapid RT-PCR are mostly decided and notified by the respective State/UT Governments, which are adhered to by the laboratories operating at the airports.;

Based on the time taken for COVID test reports, waiting time and requirement of the destination countries, passengers may choose standard RT-PCR or Rapid RT-PCR testing facilities. The charges for Standard RTPCR is around Rs. 500/-. The charges for Rapid RT-PCR range from Rs. 1975-3000/-. This variation is mainly due to the different technologies used for testing.;

Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in coordination with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is implementing the COVID-19 related guidelines issued by MoHFW from time to time for international passengers arriving at Indian Airports. To facilitate the movement of passengers, airport operators extend the services of testing facilities at airports through accredited Laboratories.
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