Rupesh Samant

Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 25: The Goa government on Tuesday said that those who want to get themselves tested for COVID-19 infection for travel purposes can do so by paying a fee at the state-run district hospitals.

State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that Goa Medical College and Hospital will not conduct any test for travel purposes.

Goa is witnessing the demand for COVID-19 testing from the Maharashtrian people holidaying in the state as the neighbouring state has made it mandatory to provide the negative certificate for those who are arriving from Goa, Gujarat and Delhi.

Rane tweeted “Goa Medical College and Directorate of Health Services has been directed not to carry out COVID test pertaining to travel. The Health Department is here to keep the people of Goa safe. GMC and DHS are already doing RTPCR tests as per the existing SOPs laid down by the government of Goa.”

“People wishing to avail a COVID test for travel purposes should visit either the North Goa or South Goa District Hospitals. The RTPCR test will be conducted on a chargeable basis, the decision on the same will be taken by the honorable chief minister shortly,” he said in another tweet.

“All tests pertaining to the safety of the citizen of Goa, which are recommended by the doctors for PHCs, CHCs and Flu OPDs will continue as before,” he said.