Swine flu: Delhi government asks labs not to charge more than Rs 4,500 for tests

With surge in swine flu cases, Delhi government on Wednesday ordered all private medical labs not to charge more than Rs 4,500 to carry out tests for the viral disease which has claimed over 600 lives across the country.

The government's move comes following complaints of several swine flu patients that tests are being conducted at exorbitant rates in city's private labs.

"Government has ordered all private labs not to charge more than Rs 4,500 from patients to carry out swine flu test," Health Minister Satyendra Jain said.

He said strict action will be taken against private medical labs found overcharging.

The government also announced a helpline number, 011-22307145, for the people to complain in case of overcharging by private labs.

Apart from the 13 government hospitals, the Minister has also asked 12 private hospitals to double the stock of swine flu medicines and that no patient be turned away.

The government has also appealed to people and media that there is no cause for panic and the situation is under control in the city.

There has been a rise in cases of swine flu in the national capital, and other parts of the country.

Deaths due to the H1N1 virus have touched 663 today, while the number of those affected was 10025 across the country so far this year, much more than past few years.