Shawdesh desk:

The government has reduced coronavirus or Covid-19 test fees by 50 percent from Tk 200 to Tk 100 for state-run hospitals.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has signed an official order in this connection on Wednesday noon, Maidul Islam Prodhan, public relations officer of the ministry informed.

Sample collection from home for the test will cost Tk 300 instead of Tk 500 previously in public hospitals.

The minister said many people from the low-income group could not afford the original fees and felt discouraged from taking the test.

The fees were subsequently revised down as per the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said.