Pune: Laboratories in Pune have informed, that doctor's prescription is mandatory for the COVID-19 test. Also, samples can be taken at the homes of those who cannot come to the laboratory.
Three days ago, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued new guidelines, stating that a doctor's letter or a prescription is not required for corona testing. Earlier, the ICMR had clarified that a prescription was required.
However, the new directive has now clarified that a prescription is not required for the testing of coronavirus. However, the laboratory operator in Pune claimed that they have not received any such letter from the government in this regard, and thus they will be following the earlier rule that makes a prescription mandatory for testing.
Speaking to Sakal Times, the Pune based laboratory association said, "We till date have not received an official communication stating about the usage of such prescription is mandatory or not. We will till time follow the prescription norms as it is also helping to identify such people and patients suffering and transmitted by corona. Without prescription there are chances it will be misused and malpractices will arouse in large number."
