LAHORE – The Punjab Health Department has issued a formal notification setting fixed rates for dengue-related diagnostic tests at private laboratories across the province.
The move aims to ensure affordable testing amid rising concerns about the spread of dengue fever in various districts of Punjab.
According to the notification, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, commonly used for initial dengue screening, will now cost Rs90 only.
Other specialized tests including NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibody tests will cost Rs1,500, the notification stated.
The Health Department has also made it mandatory for private laboratories to deliver dengue test reports within 24 hours. It has directed them to implement the new rates for the medical tests immediately.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a serious public health challenge in Pakistan, particularly during the monsoon season. The disease is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water and urban areas.
Pakistan experiences seasonal outbreaks of dengue, especially in Punjab and Sindh provinces. The virus can cause high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and in some cases, can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially fatal complication.
In recent years, the number of dengue cases has surged, prompting provincial governments to improve vector control efforts and strengthen diagnostic services.
Health officials continue to urge citizens to eliminate standing water near homes, use mosquito repellents, and seek early medical testing in case of symptoms.
