“Won’t lose a single rupee,” clarifies Govt amid controversy over rapid antibody tests

New Delhi: As the controversy over pricing of Covid-19 rapid antibody tests escalates, the Health Ministry sought to set records straight by saying that ICMR hasn’t made any payment for the supplies of these kits.

“ICMR has not made any payment whatsoever in respect of these supplies. Because of the due process followed (not going for procurement with 100% advance amount), GoI does not stand to lose a single rupee,” the Health Ministry said in a press release.

Meanwhile, the ICMR has asked States/UTs to stop using rapid-antibody tests and return them to the supplier as the kits supplied by Chinese firms were faulty.

This comes after Congress leaders alleged scam in supply of kits to government, claiming that they were sold to ICMR at 150% profit.

Earlier in the day, the ICMR responded to Congress leader Udit Raj’s tweet over the price of kits for testing the coronavirus disease.

“This is Fake News. Price range approved by ICMR is Rs 740-1150 for RT-PCR and ₹528-795 for Rapid Test. No test has been procured at Rs 4500. Any Indian company wanting to supply at lower rates is welcome to contact ICMR or Ms Anu Nagar, JS Health Research(011-23736222),” ICMR tweeted.

This is what Cong leader Udit Raj had tweeted:

ये सोशल मीडिया पर देखा जा रहा है । क्या सच्चाई है , कहना मुश्किल है। pic.twitter.com/g8A3XtsI6Z

— Dr. Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) April 26, 2020