TURA: A section of state residents entering into the Garo Hills region from Assam seem to be discombobulated over the COVID-19 testing protocols with questions being raised about the state’s decision to levy charges on rapid antigen tests, which, on the contrary, has been waived off by the neighbouring state.
“Those having identity cards from Assam are provided free antigen test at the police checkpoint in Kukurkata while the Meghalaya identity card holders are directed towards Berubari where we have to pay Rs 500 for the rapid antigen test in our own state,” deplored several commuters who had recently returned to Tura from Guwahati.
Commuters coming from the nearby state stop over at Kukurkata, the last outpost of Assam before entering the border of North Garo Hills whereas citizens from Garo Hills are required to proceed further until they reach Berubari in Bajengdoba –– the entry into Garo Hills, where they undergo rapid testing.
The bone of contention is the decision of Meghalaya to charge Rs 500 for the rapid antigen test, which is provided free of cost by the Assam government for its citizens.
Commissioner and Secretary, Health department, P Sampath Kumar, has, meanwhile, justified the charges levied on RATs by saying that every state has a different protocol for COVID-19 testing.
“It is true that Assam provides free antigen tests while we take a minimum of Rs 500. But if someone tests positive, he or she will have to undergo quarantine and undertake the RT-PCR test which is more expensive in other states. In Meghalaya, we charge only Rs 1,000 for the RT-PCR test, which is foolproof and precise. In Assam, it costs Rs 2,000,” maintained Kumar.
He further added that every entrant to the state, who carries either an RT-PCR, CBNAAT or TRUNAT-negative report from any recognised laboratory, which is within 72 hours from the time of sampling, will be exempted from the tests.
It may be mentioned that state residents, who also happen to be BPL card holders, are provided COVID-19 tests for free.
“We have made it as convenient as possible for every citizen and visitor to the state but we cannot halt the tests which is a must for the health of the people of Meghalaya. We also need to remember that the festive season of Christmas is nearby when a lot of travel will take place,” said the Commissioner and Secretary.