Pune: PMC Caps Dengue Test Charges at Rs 600, Bans Rapid Diagnostic Kits for Confirmation

Pune, 27th July 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has directed all private hospitals and pathology laboratories in the city not to charge more than ₹600 each for NS1 ELISA and MAC ELISA tests used for dengue diagnosis. The civic body has also instructed healthcare providers not to use rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits to confirm dengue infection.

The directives have been issued by Assistant Health Officer Dr Rajesh Dighe and Health Officer Dr Neena Borade in view of the increased risk of dengue during the monsoon season. Private hospitals and laboratories have been asked to strictly comply with the state government’s guidelines.

According to the PMC, the instructions follow a decision by the Maharashtra Public Health Department and directions issued by the Joint Director of the Malaria and Waterborne Diseases Department. The move comes after authorities found that some private hospitals and pathology laboratories were charging between ₹800 and ₹1,500 for ELISA tests, significantly above the prescribed rate.

The civic body has instructed healthcare facilities to use NS1 ELISA and MAC ELISA for confirmed dengue diagnosis. It has specifically stated that rapid diagnostic test kits should not be used to establish a confirmed diagnosis of dengue.

The PMC has also directed officials to create awareness among private hospitals, pathology laboratories and DMLT associations about the government’s decision. Field officers have been asked to inspect facilities following complaints of overcharging, submit reports and initiate immediate action against violators.

The health department has further instructed that the government order be widely circulated among private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and pathology associations to ensure uniform implementation across the city.