FB user says 'PM-backed firm' selling COVID-19 kits for ₹4,500, govt says fake news

NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research clarified on the rates of coronavirus testing kit after Congress leader Udit Raj tweeted a screenshot claiming that the Central government acquired the kits at an inflated price.

Raj on Sunday tweeted a screenshot of a tweet claiming that the Union government granted the tender for coronavirus testing kits to a Gujarat-based company at the price of Rs 4,500 per kit when the same was being offered to it by 17 other companies at the price of Rs 500.

"This is being circulated on social media. It is difficult to ascertain the truth," Raj tweeted.

On Monday, the Indian Council of Medical Research responded to the Congress leader's tweet, clarifying that the medical kits are being procured at the rate of Rs 740-1,150 for RT-PCR and Rs 528-795 for Rapid Test.

The medical body also tweeted contact details of its officials, in case, there are people who are ready to supply the kit at a lower price.

"This is Fake News. Price range approved by ICMR is ₹740-1150 for RT-PCR and ₹528-795 for Rapid Test. No test has been procured at ₹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.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that some people were indulging in profiteering while supplying rapid test kits for Covid-19 to the government and demanded that the Prime Minister take strict immediate action against them.