Doctor's Prescription Not Needed For Delhi Residents To Seek RT-PCR Test For COVID-19 : Delhi HC [Read Order]

The court said:

'Therefore, while providing a buffer of additional 2,000 RT-PCR tests besides 10,000 tests to the Delhi Government from out of a total testing capacity of 14,000 through RT-PCR (private sector and public sector combined), it is directed that henceforth, any resident of Delhi who wished to get tested at his/her own expense through RT-PCR for COVID-19 infection, need not produce a prescription from a doctor.'

The Division Bench of Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Subramonium Prasad further said that any person demanding a test would only be required to fill-up the form prescribed by the ICMR and produce the Aadhaar Card to establish that he/she is a resident of Delhi.

In addition to this, the court has also directed the Delhi Government to deploy at least 4 mobile facilities for testing in each of the 11 districts, including near prominent terminals of the Delhi Metro.

Delhi Government is directed to prepare a map indicating thereon the testing facilities that have been set up all over Delhi and provide it to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for it to be displayed at prominent spots to enable commuters to access the testing sites, closest to their point of exit/entry.

The court said:

'We are cognisant of the steep rise in COVID-19 infection in Delhi from 30.08.2020 and find the figures as follows, rather alarming.'

Today, ICMR has issued an Advisory recommending testing on demand for all individuals undertaking travel to other countries, interstate, wherever a negative COVID-19 test is mandated at the point of entry, as also testing by all individuals who wish to get themselves tested.

The court also directed all the private laboratories to prioritise testing RT PCR samples sent to them by the Delhi Government. In the event, Delhi Government sends additional samples for testing through RT PCR to the private laboratories, the same shall also be entertained and reports given without any delay.

Click here to download the order