Karnataka fixes price cap on dengue tests under Epidemic Diseases Act

In response to a significant spike in dengue cases, the Karnataka government has officially set a price ceiling of Rs 600 for dengue tests conducted in private hospitals and diagnostic centers. This decision, announced Wednesday, aims to alleviate financial burdens on patients requiring the NS1 antigen and IgM tests.

This policy move follows orders from Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who on Tuesday directed officials to finalize affordable pricing for these essential tests. Private medical facilities are now mandated to charge no more than Rs 300 per test, ensuring that total testing costs do not exceed Rs 600.

With over 5,000 dengue cases and six associated fatalities, including one in Bengaluru, the state’s healthcare system is on high alert. Public hospitals continue to offer free dengue testing and treatment, while the Health Minister plans to further strategize on dengue control with a thorough review and a video conference involving district officials on Thursday.