By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services has granted permission to five private hospitals to conduct PCR tests under strict guidelines, The Morning learnt. A senior official at the Department of Health Services, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Morning that private hospitals had agreed to conduct PCR test for Rs. 7,500 per test after a series of negotiations held between the Ministry and private hospitals. In addition, strict guidelines have also been issued by the Ministry, including having to inform the patient prior to the test and the results of each test of individuals. Hospitals should follow all Covid-19-related guidelines and are not allowed to give publicity for Covid-19-related activities at hospitals, he said, adding that hospitals should also follow a mechanism to trace the history of all patients. When asked whether the Ministry of Health would send government samples to private hospitals, he noted that there was no necessity to send them as government labs have enough space at present. “Out of 120, around 55 PCR machines are with government institutions and therefore, samples collected by government institutions would not be sent to private hospitals,” the source added.