Two laboratories which were not authorised to conduct swine flu screening tests were issued notice by the city health department for overcharging patients, an official said Saturday.
The notice was served to Healthcare Diagnostics in south Delhi and Global Diagnostics in west Delhi, after a surprise check conducted by a health ministry team on the directions of Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain Friday night.
On Feb 18, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) had directed all 10 laboratories designated for conducting swine flu tests not to charge more than Rs.4,500.
In the notice, the labs were asked why their licences should not be cancelled for cheating people in distress by failing to comply with the specified norms.
According to the government, only 10 laboratories -- seven private and three government-run -- have been authorised to conduct swine flu screening tests for suspected patients.
Delhi recorded 2,157 positive cases of swine flu till Saturday, with 97 fresh cases reported during the day. Nine people have died due to the viral disease.