Although the price of the kits used for the RT-PCR Covid test has dropped significantly a year back, private hospitals and labs in Bangladesh are still charging a very high fee for it as there has been no initiative to revise the cost. Health experts said widespread tests to identify and isolate Covid patients is essential to contain the transmission of the disease, but the high cost for it at private hospitals has become a big burden for many. Still, they have to go there for tests and are paying much more due to huge pressure on government hospitals and other hassles. They also voiced concern that many people having the symptoms of the virus remain undetected spreading the virus rapidly just simply because of excessive fees. The experts urged the government to slash the RT-PCR test rate at private labs to Tk 1,500 from the existing Tk 3,000 in accordance with the falling price of the kits and thus encourage more and more people to undergo tests. They said private hospitals in India charge only Rs 500 to 1,000 for the RT-PCR test though their central government did not fix any specific price. Making money The government hospitals and labs have been charging only Tk 100 for a RT-PCR Covid test. On April 29, 2020, the government allowed three private hospitals to test samples of suspected Covid patients using RT-PCR and fixed Tk 3,500 as the fee of each test as the price of the kit was nearly 3,000. However, the test price was Tk 4,500 in the case of sample collection from home. On December 27, 2020, the government lowered the rate of the RT-PCR Covid test at private labs to Tk 3,000 from Tk 3,500. The labs were also asked to charge Tk 3,700 instead of Tk 4,500 for the sample collection from home. The test fees for a migrant have been revised to Tk 2,500 from Tk 3,000 on May 11, 2021. Mostafa Mahmud, in-charge of Ibn Sina Diagnostic Centre, Savar, said they charge Tk 3,000 for RT-PCR test. “We charge an additional Tk 500 if we collect the samples from any person’s home. “We charge Tk 700 for a rapid antigen test. “All these prices are fixed by the government.” He said it cost around Tk 1200 for each kit of the RT-PCR test. “The main price of the kit is Tk 800 but we modify the kit further for safety reasons which cost Tk400 more. “We also purchase each rapid antigen kit at Tk 510.” Another official at a private hospital, wishing anonymity, said they charge Tk 500-1,000 for collecting samples from any person’s home. He said doctors mostly prescribe RT-PCR tests while some people voluntarily come for rapid antigen tests. “We make a small profit on each antigen test, but the RT-PCR test is now very profitable. We’ll be able to make a good profit if the test price comes down to even Tk 2,000.” Owners’ version Contacted, central President of Bangladesh Private Clinic Diagnostic Owners Association Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan said the private labs are charging Covid test fees as per the rate fixed by the government. “The government earlier lowered the RT-PCR Covid test fee at private labs to Tk 3,000 from Tk 3,500. The government fixed the price considering all the expenditures involved with the tests, including kits, and other costs at the laboratories,” he said. READ: Now Covid tests start at Chattogram Airport Bhuiyan said the government fixed the rate of rapid antigen test at Tk 700, but they have to buy a kit at Tk 500 for such a test. “We’re testing the samples with such small profit thinking about the country’s interests.” Asked whether they are not making a huge profit on the RT-PCR test, he parried the question, saying their role and services in containing the coronavirus and managing Covid patients should be considered first. Money first, not service Noted virologist and ex-VC of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) said there is no alternative to increasing the Covid test to identify the infected people and keep them isolated to contain the fresh outbreak of the virus. “It’s unreasonable to continue testing samples in private labs at the previous cost when the prices of kits have declined significantly.” He said private hospitals are running completely with a business attitude instead of serving people and the nation. “The government has no control over private hospitals and laboratories. They're charging huge money for Covid test to make a quick buck due to the government’s silence. This is unfair.” Nazrul, a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19, said their committee has repeatedly called for a reduction in test costs. But no step has so far been taken in this regard. The expert said the Covid test costs are much lower at private hospitals and labs in India due to the government’s strong control over them. “Our government should intensify its monitoring of private hospitals and labs to make their services cost-effective ones.” READ: Ministry to bear Covid test expenses of UAE-bound passengers Prof Dr MH Chowdhury (Lenin), head of Health and Hope Hospital’s Medicine department, said the government has set the price of the RT-PCR test at private hospitals and labs at Tk 300 when the kit price was around Tk 2,500 and there was a crisis of it at that time. “But the kits are now available at prices in between 800-1,000. So, the RT-PCR test fee shouldn’t be more than 1, 500,” he said. Assurance Prof Ahmedul Kabir, additional director general (admin) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said the RT-PCR test cost at private labs and hospitals seems high in the county as the prices of testing kits have dropped on the international market. “We’re taking steps to hold a meeting with the relevant stakeholders, including the owners of private labs, as soon as possible to discuss the issue,” he said. Kabir said the meeting can be held next week. “As the Covid test is now very important, we’ll try to revise the RT-PCR test cost and make it reasonable. We’ll surely slash the price of the Covid RT-PCR test.”

Hong Kong authorities said Tuesday that they will cull some 2,000 hamsters after several of the rodents tested positive for the virus at a pet store where an infected employee was working. Officials said they would also stop the sale and import of the rodents in the city. The move came after the pet shop employee tested positive for the delta variant on Monday. Several of the hamsters tested positive for the coronavirus as well. Even though authorities acknowledged that there is “no evidence” that pets can transmit the coronavirus to humans, as a precautionary measure, customers who had purchased hamsters from the affected store after Jan. 7 will be traced and must be subject to mandatory quarantine. They must also hand over their hamsters to authorities to be put down. Also read: Bangladesh experiences alarming week as Covid escalates Authorities said that all pet stores selling hamsters in Hong Kong must cease operations and that around 2,000 of the small animals will be culled in a humane manner. Customers who bought hamsters in Hong Kong from Dec. 22 will also be subject to mandatory testing and are urged not to go into the community until their tests have returned negative. For now, authorities said they would not rule out transmission between human and animals. Hong Kong police on Monday arrested two former flight attendants for allegedly leaving their homes when they should have been in isolation for possible coronavirus infections, which were later confirmed. The two arrived from the U.S on Dec. 24 and 25. While in medical surveillance, they had “conducted unnecessary activities,” according to a government statement posted late Monday. While the statement did not name their employer, the arrests came after flagship carrier Cathay Pacific said it had fired two crew members for breaching coronavirus protocols. Both later tested positive for the omicron variant. Cathay previously said the actions of the crew who had broken coronavirus protocols was “extremely disappointing” and apologized for the disruption. The company had to cut back on flights — both passenger and cargo — in January amid tightened virus curbs. The duo have been released on bail and will have their case heard in court on Feb. 9. If convicted of violating anti-epidemic regulations, they could face up to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars ($642). Also read: Australian life expectancy rises despite COVID-19: study Hong Kong has been grappling with a local omicron outbreak traced to several Cathay Pacific crew members who had dined at bars and restaurants across the city before later testing positive for the omicron variant. Previously in Hong Kong, certain air and sea crew members could isolate at home under certain quarantine exemptions. Regulations tightened Dec. 31 require crew members to isolate in a designated quarantine hotel for about a week to safeguard public health.

A Khulna court has sent a technologist of Khulna General Hospital to jail in a Tk 2.57-crore graft relating to Covid-19 tests. Khulna Metropolitan Sessions Judge Shahidul Islam on Sunday issued the order turning down the bail petition of technologist Prakash Kumar Das, 45, said advocate Khandaker Mojibur Rahman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On November 18, Khandaker Kamruzzaman, deputy assistant director of ACC’s Khulna district office, filed the case. Read:ACC sues Khulna General Hospital staff for embezzling Tk 2.5 crore Prakash recently came to Khulna to join his job here with a 15-day bail from the High Court in the graft case. According to the case statement, Prakash was in charge of collecting the fees for Covid-19 tests from people going abroad. The case statement reveals that Prakash collected a total of Tk 4.24 crore from July, 2020 to July, 2021 from people and deposited only Tk 1.66 crore to the government treasury, and embezzled the rest of the money, Tk 2.57 crore. Later, a five-member inquiry committee, headed by Khulna General Hospital Civil Surgeon and Supervisor Dr Niaz Mohammad, was formed to investigate the allegations. Read: Khulna Hospital technologist decamps with Tk 2.5 crore Covid test fees According to the probe report, the amount deposited was over Tk 2.57 crore, less than the amount he received. Later, on September 22, an explanation was sought from Prakash and he promised to provide it the following day but he has been missing since then. Immediately after this, a general diary (GD) was filed by the Khulna Civil Surgeon's Office with Khulna Police Station on September 28.

The ministry of expatriates welfare will bear the expenses (TK 1,600) of UAE bound workers undergoing Covid-19 tests at the RT-PCR laboratories of Dhaka Airport. Imran Ahmed, the minister of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment made the remarks at an exchange meeting with Bangladeshi expatriates at the Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Saturday afternoon. “Expatriate workers are remittance fighters of our country. Their contribution to the country's economy is undeniable. Read: Covid testing at Dhaka airport awaits UAE’s approval: State Minister “The government is working to ensure their welfare. As part of this, the ministry will pay Tk 1,600 for the Covid-19 test at the airport for workers going to the UAE,” the minister noted.Earlier this week, Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) received the notificarion of arrival approval from the United Arab Emirates regarding operations of RT-PCR laboratories at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Covid testing of passengers bound for the country.

A medical technologist (lab) at Khulna General Hospital has decamped allegedly with around Tk 2.5 crore  collected from corona tests of people going abroad. The accused has been identified as Prokash Kumar Das, 45, Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Niaz Mohammad confirmed on Tuesday. He said his office is preparing to file a case against him. Sources at Civil Surgeon’s office said Prakash was in charge of collecting the fees for Covid-19 test samples taken from the people going abroad. He had been manipulating the number of people taking the tests since July 2 in 2020 to gain illegal financial benefits, according to the allegation. Suspecting foul play, an inquiry committee was formed against Prakash on 22 August. According to the inquiry report, the amount deposited was about Tk 2.58 lakh less than the amount that was supposed to be received. Later, an explanation was sought from him on 22 September and he promised to provide it the following day. Since then he has been missing, the office said Civil surgeon Dr Niaz said the amount of embezzled money was about Tk2.58 crore. The Department of Health and the Health Ministry have already been informed of the incident.

Covid testing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka will begin within three to four days, said chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (Caab) Air-Vice Marshal M Mofidur Rahman on Saturday. He said this during his visit to the site designated for RT-PCR booths to be set up at the car parking lot of the airport for migrant workers. The Caab chairman said the Covid testing will begin once the diagnostic centre, selected by the authorities, sets up its RT-PCR mobile booths. Also read: Vaccination of students aged 12-17 to begin within 20 days: Health Minister On September 6, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam said PCR booths will be set up at three international airports of Bangladesh to facilitate passengers to take Covid-19 tests four to six hours before boarding their flights. Also read: Covid claims 51 more lives in Bangladesh, case positivity rate falls to 5.98 per cent The directive came from a cabinet meeting held with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.  He said the PCR booths will be set up at Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet international airports.

Detectives conducted simultaneous drives in the capital’s Tejgaon area and Jhalakathi district on Tuesday and arrested three ‘fraudsters’ on charge of embezzling money in the name of  conducting Covid-19 test. The arrestees are Abdullah Alamin Managing Director of TKS group, its chairman Abul Hasan Tushar and marketing manager Mohammad Shahin Mia. Various types of fake documents including appointment letters, ID cards, visiting cards, tax certificates and computers were recovered from their possessions. Briefing reporters at the DMP’s media centre here on Wednesday, Joint Commissioner of DB (North Division) Mohammad Harun Ur Rashid said the fraudsters formed an organisation named TKS Healthcare Service located on the 2nd floor at Al Razi Complex of Shaheed Sayed Nazrul Islam Sarani in Dhaka city. Then they applied for permission to conduct  Covid-19 test to the Health Ministry on July 11. READ: 4 members of teen gang ‘Gazi group’ held in Dhaka In their application, they mentioned that a total of 5,126 health workers are ready to conduct free Covid-19 tests in eight divisions, 64 districts, 492 upazilas and 4,562 unions of Bangladesh, he said. He said as they knew that they would not get permission from the Health Ministry to set up booths, recruit people and set up camps they made fake documents for sample collection, recruitment and setting up of camps. Using the fake documents, the fraudsters  embezzled money from people in the name of recruiting various persons as Upazila Co-coordinators and Field Officers of Dhaka and Jhalakathi districts, the DB (North Division) said. They were trying to embezzle a total of Tk 2 crore in the name of giving dealership of each camp. He also urged people to remain aware of fraudulence in the name of conducting Covid-19 test." If anyone sets up camp in the name of free Covid-19 test then inform police and police will take action.” A case has been filed against the arrestees with Shahbagh police station.

Symbolic protest classes demanding the opening of the university will be held from Thursday at Jahangirnagar University (JU). The classes will be held in open space at the campus where any varsity student can take part following the hygiene rules. Read: Univ Teachers’ Network to hold classes under open sky if unis don't reopen The organizing teachers of this protest act said that the classes will continue till the campus opens. Professor Raihan Raine of the Department of Philosophy will take the first class at the pedestal of the university’s central Shaheed Minar 12 pm on Thursday. He said they will carry out this programme to demand reopening the university. Other teachers will take classes here continuously. This programme will continue until campus opens. Symbolically any student can participate in this class. However, everyone must maintain health guidelines. If business establishments, recreation centers, other administrative and economic activities can reopen so can universities, following health guidelines. Residential teachers in the university, parents and students- all are aware of Coronavirus now, he added. Read: Infection rate declining, educational institutions to reopen: Dipu Moni He also said, “We want to prove by taking classes that it is possible to open a university by following the rules of hygiene.” It was learned that many teachers including Prof. Anu Muhammad, Prof. Sayed Ferdous, Prof ASM Anwarullah Bhuiyan, Prof. Jamal Uddin, Prof Manosh Chowdhury, Professor Shamima Sultana are willing to take classes. Prof. Anu Muhammad said that the students are in a more insecure condition outside the campus area than they would be at the university dorms. We have demanded the government to open the university from the beginning of September and make necessary arrangements for the students at the dorms. In addition to opening the university step by step, the capacity of the medical center should be increased, and necessary Covid-related services should be provided including various tests. Read: DU dorms to reopen September 1 for final year and Masters students It was learned that the symbolic protest class event was announced by ‘University Teacher Network' across the country through a press conference yesterday. Teachers with this programme  expect it will create public opinion about the opening of the university. The teachers’ network also suggested some measures to be taken while reopening the universities, including solving the crisis of dorm accommodation and hygiene; Covid test and vaccination at the campus; improved medical center including isolation facility; high speed internet at low cost and arrangements to bring back the students who dropped out due to the pandemic.

Thirteen more Covid-19 patients have died in Khulna division in the past 24 hours, health officials said on Wednesday. Of the deceased, six died at Khulna Corona Dedicated Hospital, six at Gazi Medical Hospital, and one at the corona unit of Khulna General Hospital, said Dr Suhash Ranjan Haldar, nodal person for the corona unit of Khulna General Hospital. At Khulna General Hospital, some 156 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the corona unit. Read:Heavy rains batter Khulna, cause sufferings Of them, 98 people are getting treatment in the red zone of the hospital, 22 in the yellow zone, 20 in ICU (intensive care unit), and 16 in HDU (high deficiency unit), said Dr Suhash.   Kazi Abu Rashed, spokesman for the corona unit of Khulna General Hospital, said that some 49 people have been admitted to the hospital till Wednesday morning. Of these, 24 are men and 25 are women. Gazi Mizanur Rahman, owner of Gazi Medical Hospital, said that 81 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Of them, six are getting treatment in ICU and three in HDU. Read:Khulna sees record 28 deaths in a single day Mehdi Newaz, Vice Chancellor of Khulna Medical College, said the positivity rate is 37.31% as per the total sample test in PCR machines. According to results collected from the RT-PCR Laboratory at Khulna Medical College and Hospital, 224 emerged positive of the 564 samples tested on Tuesday night. Of them, 184 people tested positive in the sample test of 448 people in Khulna. Besides, 27 from Bagerhat, seven from Jashore, three from Pirojpur, and one each from Satkhira, Gopalganj and Chuadanga district tested positive for Covid-19. Read:Khulna set to go under 7-day strict lockdown from June 22 Sheikh Sadia Monowara Usha, Medical Officer (Disease Control) at Khulna Civil Surgeon's Office, said eight people from Khulna district died in the last 24 hours till 8 am on Wednesday.  In addition, 305 people tested positive in the sample test of 771 people in Khulna district and metropolis. The positivity rate is 39% as per the total sample test. In Khulna division, the first case of Covid-19 was detected in Chuadanga on March 19, 2020.

Fifty Bangladeshi nationals who returned home from India through Benapole on Saturday night have been placed in quarantine in Magura district. Joynal Abedin, officer-in-charge of Magura Police Station, said the India returnees entered the country through Benapole border on Saturday night and all of them have been brought to Magura district under the supervision of police and local administration. Later, they were taken to government quarrrantine centers Eagle Hotel and Soikat Hotel. Also Read:10 India returnees test negative for Covid-19: Chattogram Civil Surgeon Before taking to the quarantine centres, the authorities concerned took samples for their Covid test and asked them to maintain health guidelines. Besides, the local administration also declared Hotel Mandal International and the rest house of the Department of Youth Development in Magura district town quarantine centres. Abu Syed, Medical Officer of Magura Sadar Upazila Health Complex, said, “The Bangladeshi nationals who returned from India hail from different parts of the district and they will stay there for 14-day quarantine and the health officials will check them regularly.” Earlier, on Saturday, a confirmed case of Indian Coronavirus strain was detected in Bangladesh, says the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research(IEDCR). "The Indian variant of Coronavirus was detected in a sample test at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. It has been published on Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data(GSID)," said chief scientific officer of IEDCR ASM Alamgir. Also Read:445 India returnees kept at 11 quarantine centres in Khulna Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) DG Dr ABM Khurshid Alam also told the media that the Indian variant of Coronavirus has been found in Bangladesh. The infected patients returned from India. They had been there for treatment, and now they’re staying in Jeshore,” he added. Professor Nasima Sultana, additional director general of the institution, also confirmed the development at a press conference in the afternoon.