MPs propose to make Covid-19 PCR tests free of charge

State Duma representatives Alexei Kurinny and Sergei Kazankov came up with an initiative to introduce PCR testing of the population for covid at the expense of the budget.  A corresponding proposal was sent to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.

According to Kommersant, the deputies called for the possibility of providing free PCR tests to citizens with the first signs of a cold.  The initiative also noted the need for a convenient testing system at enterprises.

So far, free PCR tests are carried out at the discretion of businesses and regions, and they can no longer afford to pay for it.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin announced the need to expand testing in order to identify patients at earlier stage of illness.  Kurinny and Kazankov believe that among the reasons for the uncontrolled increase in morbidity is the inability of the healthcare system to interrupt the chains of illness spread.

It is noted that some regions cannot massively test people with ARVI symptoms.  In spite of the fact that according to statistics, up to 50% of such citizens are infected with COVID-19.  As a result, those with colds freely visit public places, work facilities and overloaded medical institutions - all this leads to a worsening of the situation.

The authors of the idea believe that PCR testing at the expense of the federal budget will be able to reduce morbidity statistics.

In addition, the introduction of free tests will reduce government spending on the treatment of those already ill.  The authorities have not yet commented on the initiative.