Cannot flout ICMR guidelines to increase COVID-19 testing in Delhi, says health minister

New Delhi: Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain on Saturday said that the Delhi government cannot violate the ICMR guidelines "that state certain conditions" prerequisite for conducting COVID-19 tests.

Jain's comments come a day after the Supreme Court slammed the Delhi government for drop-in COVID-19 testing from 7,000 to 5,000 amid rising coronavirus cases in the National Capital.

"If you want the number of tests conducted for COVID-19 to increase, then ask ICMR to change its guidelines. We cannot flout ICMR guidelines that state certain conditions which are prerequisite for tests."