Bengaluru lab employee caught providing negative Covid-19 reports worth Rs. 12k

Photo Credits: AFP

A diagnostic centre in RT, with a lab employee was captured providing fake reports of testing Covid-19 negative with an estimated charge of Rs. 12,000, just two days post two employees and a physician was fired for the sales of fake Covid-19 test reports stating negative.

An employee at the centre, revealed to Deccan Herald the entire protocol, saying the swab of the person is processed to three different labs, which can generate a false-negative report. The employee stated, “There is a risk, but in three labs a false report can be obtained.” The employee was ready to provide fake certificate for clearance regarding international travel. He said, “The negative result can be obtained, which will also be reflected in the SRF record.”

He hinted on involvement of other staff, working in the laboratories, also involved in the scam. When Health Minister, Dr Sudhakar got acquainted with the scam, he iterated the government will not exempt any laboratory giving false Covid-19 reports. He said, “The government has zero tolerance towards any kind of irregularities or manipulation in the labs. I have instructed the district health officers and taluk health officers to conduct surprise visits and inspect labs. Stern action will be taken against anyone, be it contract, outsource, or even a permanent employee, whoever is found indulging in wrongdoing.”

ON Tuesday, the BBMP had dismissed a lab technician and an Asha worker who were caught manipulating the Covid-19 test results.