lucknow private pathologies engaged in covid19 testing in up cities have urged the state government to reconsider the decision to revise the cost of coronavirus testing from previous rate of rs 2500 to rs 1600 stating that the labs will not be able to extend the covid19 testing at rs 1600 in wake of the overhead expenses a group of such pathologies made an official representation to additional chief secretary health and family welfare on saturdaythough the matter was taken up by senior officials in the state government a decision is yet to be taken sources said that the government is exploring all available options on thursday the government slashed the rate of covid19 testing in private labs officials stated that the move came after the reduction in the cost of reagents required to undertake the covid19 testingissuing relevant orders acs health and family welfare amit mohan prasad said that the new rates will come into effect immediately besides directing that any overcharging will be considered a violation of the epidemic act in effect across the statehowever in their representation the private pathology owners stated that the number the cheaper reagents were still not available in the market they also expressed resentment over the sudden order which was issued without any consultation from the private pathology ownerswe were not given any time to voice our concern also the authorities did not give us any time to prepare for the transition said one of the ownersanother stated that forget about return of investment the new price did not even cover their expenditurewe have urged the authorities to give a thought to our overhead expenses like home collection engaging data entry operators and wastage costs that go in conducting urgent tests said a covid19 coordinator at a private lab