<span style="color: #222222;">In Gujarat, the state government today decided to slash rates of RT-PCR tests being conducted by private laboratories to 400 rupees from the existing 700 rupees. For RT-PCR samples collected from homes or hospitals, private laboratories will have to take only 550 rupees.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Briefing the media in Gandhinagar Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said, the decision to reduce the rates of RT-PCR tests has been taken as part of the state government's preparation for a possible third wave of the pandemic.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Deputy CM Nitin Patel said the government has also reduced the rates of RTPCR test being conducted at the airports to Rs 2700 from the existing Rs 4,000.The rates for HRCT scan conducted at private hospitals have also been reduced to 2,500.Keeping in mind the possibility of third wave, Mr Patel said the state government will purchase CT scan and MRI machines for various government hospitals and medical colleges at Rs 112 crore.</span><br />