Manama: Qatar will allow private healthcare facilities in the country to perform swabbing for coronavirus PCR test. The samples will be sent to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) laboratories for examination, Ministry of Public Health said in a circular.
The PCR test can be done on patients with COVID-19 signs and respiratory symptoms, patients for admissions, including acute admissions and admissions for elective surgeries, periodic testing of employees of other sectors, and for pre-travel certificates confirming negative COVID-19 status.
The health care facility is allowed to add no more than QR 50 to the actual test cost of HMC. This applies only for COVID-19 PCR testing and other rapid testing is not permitted, the circular said.
It also directed the health facilities to comply with the ministry's instructions regarding swabbing and dealing with suspected cases, comprising immediate isolation of suspected novel coronavirus cases in separate purposed rooms, allocate a room for swabbing of suspected cases and another room for swabbing of other categories of patients. It also added that the clinics will have to follow infection prevention and control measures during swabbing.
The clinics have to submit an application to the ministry of public health for approval including the details of number of expected swabs and validation of swabs used for collection. The facilities need to communicate with public health. Violating this circular will expose the health facility concerned to legal accountability, it added.
Qatar is the second country in the GCC after Bahrain to allow private clinics for coronavirus tests.
Bahrain has been carrying out Covid-19 swab collection since May 13. Health services including testing, quarantine and treatment continue to be offered for free at Bahrain’s state health care institutions to citizens and resident expatriates, said NHRA CEO. The private hospitals are licensed to do the COVID-19 test in return for a certain fee and will send the samples to the public health labs for results, according to the official. State health facilities continue to provide tests, quarantine, treatment free of charge, NHRA CEO Dr, Mariyam Jalahma said.
As part of its efforts to ramp-up coronavirus testing, Qatar’s Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has LAUNCHED invitation-only drives through swab hubs at Al Thumamam, Al Waab, and Leabaib health centres on May 31.
The new service is being offered to only those who were invited by a phone call from the PHCC to book an appointment. Priority will be given to the elderly and disabled.
