Karnataka Caps Dengue Test Prices in Private HospitalsKarnataka Caps Dengue Test Prices in Private Hospitals In response to a surge in dengue cases, the Karnataka government has capped the rates of dengue tests in private hospitals from July 4. The order sets the maximum price for ELISA NS1 antigen and IgM antibody tests at Rs 300 each, and the rate for rapid card tests for NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibodies at Rs 250. The decision was made after a meeting between State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), urban, and rural development departments. While government hospitals offer free dengue testing and treatment, private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories previously charged between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 for the same tests. Bengaluru, under the jurisdiction of the BBMP, has recorded a significant number of dengue cases, with 2,194 cases reported this year. The highest number of cases occurred in Mahadevapura zone (610), followed by East zone (578) and South zone (325). Across Karnataka, the number of dengue cases has reached 6,390, with six deaths reported, including one in Bengaluru.
Amid a surge in dengue cases, the Karnataka government has issued an order capping the rates of dengue tests in private hospitals from July 4. The order has fixed the maximum price for ELISA NS1 antigen and IgM antibody tests at Rs 300 each. Moreover, the rate for rapid card tests for NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies has been fixed at Rs 250.
The decision followed a meeting between state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), as well as urban and rural development departments, held at the Vidhana Soudha on July 2. While government hospitals offer free dengue testing and treatment, private hospitals and diagnostic laboratories charge between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 for the same tests.
Bengaluru, under the jurisdiction of the BBMP, has recorded a significant number of dengue cases, with the total number this year reaching 2,194. Mahadevapura zone tops the list with 610 cases, followed by East zone with 578 cases and South zone with 325 cases. Across Karnataka, the number of dengue cases has risen to 6,390, with six deaths reported, including one in Bengaluru.
