Kerala Congress MP Ramya Haridas on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to conduct free of cost RT-PCR tests for all international air travellers arriving at the airports in India. "The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has given directions that all the passengers arriving at the airports in India should get an RT-PCR test done compulsorily. Moreover, for the RT-PCR test, there is levied a sum of ₹1,700 per passenger. Hence, the RT-PCR test done for passengers at arrival either be free of cost borne by the Government or it should be fully cancelled," read the letter. The health ministry has advised states and UTs for regular critical review of the emerging situation with concerned district officials to ensure that gains made so far in Covid management are not lost.

Source: Mint February 25, 2021 00:22 UTC