At a time when viral infections are rampant, the BMC scheme Aapli Chikitsa under which people can get tested for diseases at a subsidised rate at civic-run dispensaries, maternity homes and peripheral hospitals has been put on ice. According to officials, services were started on March 6 but patients didn’t receive reports even after a week.

Later, civic-run dispensaries, maternity homes and peripheral hospitals requested people to get tested at private laboratories or BMC hospitals where in-house testing services are available. mid-day on March 16 visited a few clinics and hospitals seeking tests under the scheme but was informed by staff that the service was put on hold until further notice.