KATHMANDU: The government has allowed three more private laboratories to conduct PCR tests.

As per the directive of the Ministry of Health and  Population, the National Public Health Laboratory at Teku has given permission to Surya Health Care in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, National Path Lab in Butwal and Bageshwori Laboratory in Kohalpur to perform PCR tests on COVID-19.

Earlier, three laboratories in Kathmandu were allowed to test. Among them are the laboratories of Central Diagnostic Lab, KMC Hospital and Star Hospital at Kamalpokhari.

In addition, a total of six private laboratories have been allowed to test the coronavirus.

The ministry has said that only the surplus swabs will be allowed to be tested by the private sector charging Rs 5,500 per case.

The ministry had earlier decided to allow private laboratories to conduct tests as government laboratories could not carry out the tests.

Meanwhile, the National Public Health Laboratory called on interested private laboratories to apply for permission.