Rise in swine flu cases sees demand to cut lab test rates

With the demand for influenza H1N1 tests rising, there is also a growing clamour to regulate the test prices.

Mumbai: A single test of H1N1 (formerly called swine flu) costs between Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 in the city, putting an enormous burden on families where more than one person has to undergo the test.

TOI has learnt that a few officials also raised the issue of regulating prices for H1N1 testing in front of the current state government, but it failed to get a desirable response. In the absence of a health minister, the matter didn't even get sanction for a review. "With limited public facilities offering the test in the city, there should be some move towards restricting the test prices for H1N1," said a senior state official, who didn't wish to be named.