AP caps CT/HRTC scan price at Rs 3k in all hospitals, diagnostic centres in state

"It was reported that the cases have to be admitted and treated on the basis of CT/HRCT scan and clinical picture without wasting any further time and to save precious lives. If this important diagnostic test is not made affordable and accessible to the general public, then the disease will spread in the community leading to more cases and resultant burden on the health infrastructure," said Anil Kumar Singhal, the state principal secretary.

The government found that exuberant charges were being levied for CT scans which resulted in reduced accessibility and affordability leading to missed opportunities in identifying the disease early and grading the severity which has impacted clinical management. "The rate for each CT scan may be fixed across facilities and the public be made aware of it," said the principal secretary.

All diagnostic centers, scanning centers, and hospitals which are providing CT scan for suspected COVID-positive people shall register themselves on the website dashboard.covid19.ap.gov.in/ctscan. For every CT/HRCT scan, they will have to upload the patient's name and phone number, CT/HRCT image, and signed copy of the report. These details shall be made available to all hospitals in the state so they can access the report and admit patient on its basis.