Conduct RAT only on hospital visitors with symptoms: JSU

SHILLONG, June 25: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has asked the state government to reconsider the mandatory RAT for all people visiting health facilities for treatment and conduct such tests only on the ones showing symptoms.
In a letter to the Health department, the JSU said that such mandatory tests on all patients will lead to them suffering more. “We fear that they will be encouraged to look towards quacks and unregistered practitioners for their treatment which might result in more serious consequences, leading to more spread of the virus. Also, this will encourage sale of medicines through black markets bought without any medical prescription,” it said.
Stating that such mandatory tests at private clinics fall heavily on the pockets of the needy, it asked the government to make testing free of cost.