Delhi: RT-PCR tests without doctor’s note take off

NEW DELHI: A large number of people on Thursday visited the government and private testing centres where RT-PCR tests were carried out without prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Residents of Delhi can now get themselves tested for Covid-19 through RT-PCR, without a doctor’s prescription. The facility began on Thursday and several people reached the centres with Aadhaar cards for RT-PCR tests on Day 1.
An official said the exact number was not known because the reports were being compiled till late evening.
Many of those turning up for tests did not have any symptoms but wanted RT-PCR tests because they had to travel to other states. The testing centres, however, faced a technical problem while starting the tests without prescriptions.
“Before RT-PCR tests, entries about the details of the patients, including their phone numbers, are made in the ICMR portal. It has an option of doctor’s prescription. Without doctor’s prescription, the submission was not being made. Later the centres were asked to use not available in other sections on the portal. The testing centres will find it easy if the necessary changes are made in the ICMR portal,” said a source.