Sreeramulu Friday said government would bear only expense of swab test which amounts to Rs.2,000.

'A government order had been issued to all private hospitals asking them not to charge patients for swab test. They should collect the charges from the government,' Sreeramulu assured.

'However, government would not bear treatment expenses of H1N1 patients, but would bear only swab test charges,' he added.

Meanwhile, 22 people tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus in the state Friday, raising the total number of positive cases to 708. While Bangalore reported 19 cases, one case each was confirmed from Bijapur, Kolar and Gadag.

--Indo-Asian News service

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