Citizens can visit offices of Union Council to conduct free tests on behalf of Islamabad administration
Islamabad Mayor announces free corona virus tests for citizens. This measure will be helpful as thousands of citizens are unable to afford the costs of tests. In private laboratories, the cost of test is highly expensive and out of range for common man.
A number of private laboratories in Islamabad are offering these tests. The cost of each test ranges differently in these laboratories. However, the rough estimate shows that the cost of each test can range from six thousand five hundred rupees (Rs. 6500) to Nine Thousand Five Hundred rupees (Rs. 9500).
Relatively, thousands of people cannot afford to conduct tests. The official estimates regarding total population of Islamabad is only over a million people. The number is 1,129,198 to be exact. Although, the citizens of Islamabad Capital Territory are relatively better off than the other cities in terms of monetary conditions. Yet, an estimate shows that over 500,000 people cannot afford to conduct tests on their own.
The federal and provincial governments are conducting regular tests across the country, but they have a limited capacity. Such a measure from district government shows how effectively issues can be dealt with through supporting the local governments. It can ensure city-wise response across the country.
Testing Mechanism
For this purpose, the Islamabad administration is allotting specific days to each union council. Further, it covers specific sectors on each day. Moreover, it conducted the free tests for sectors G-6 and G-7 on Monday.
Similarly, the free tests for sectors G-8 and G-9 are on Tuesday.
The Mayor of Islamabad has been making significant contributions since taking office. This measure further enhances the trust in his abilities to deal with the crisis situation. The current mayor belongs to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.