Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan s government in Kerala had in April cut private RTPCR test prices.
Thiruvananthapuram:
Days after it capped the rates for COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals, Kerala has sought to control the prices of key articles like PPE kits and masks required for preventing or treating COVID-19.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan s government today invoked the Kerala Essential Articles Control Act, 1986 and also cited the Central government s advisory that all efforts be made to ensure healthcare remains affordable to make the move.
The order was issued today by the state s food and civil supplies department. As per its rate chart, a PPE kit cannot be priced higher than Rs 273 and an N95 mask cannot cost more than Rs 22. Similarly, a fingertip pulse oximeter now will not cost more than Rs 1,500.
Pulse Oximeter Rs 1500
Earlier in the day, the Kerala government announced that the total lockdown being enforced in the state from May 8 to May 16 will be extended till May 23 to contain the massive spread of COVID-19.
The decision to extend the lockdown was taken in view of high test positivity rates in districts, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
The state is currently under a 9-day complete shutdown as part of its efforts to bring down the daily caseload of infected persons.
Addressing a press conference here, Vijayan also announced triple lockdown in four districts Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram from May 16 to bring down the rising number of cases.
The prices of medical items necessary for COVID-19 prevention and treatment will go down in the State with their formal declaration as essential articles on Friday.Following a proposal by the Health a