People now can test for the presence of Covid-19 from the comfort of their very own homes. By providing access for people to check from home, this initiative is able to ease the congestion at the public hospitals. This home-based sampling service is the outcome of the joint venture between The Ministry of Health and private medical providers.
According to New Straits Times, this sampling service is specifically designed for those who wish to have the infection tested but do not meet the criteria as a patient under investigation (PUI). To be classified as a PUI, an individual would have to display symptoms such as fever or acute respiratory infection. Furthermore, a person is also considered as PUI if they have travelled or resided in affected countries, in the 14 days before the onset of illness or if they have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
“Currently, sampling is done for those identified as PUI, but some are concerned and want to get the COVID-19 test but do not meet the PUI criteria. Thus, the MoH has no barriers for those who want to get this test from the private sector,” said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, in a press conference.
He also stated that this collaboration would enable people with no symptoms to undergo the Covid-19 test at home without having to attend a health facility. This sampling service will be performed by trained private medics and paramedics. The sample would then be sent to a private laboratory to be analysed.
The public can access this service by uploading the relevant application to set the time of the visit for sampling purposes or visit the company’s website for more information. New Straits Times currently has listed 11 private companies that are involved in providing the COVID-19 home test sampling services and this list may be added from time to time.
The companies involved are Bookdoc, DoctorOnCall, Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd, Lablink (M) Sdn Bhd (KPJ), Qualitas Medical Group Sdn Bhd, Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, Twin Tower Medical Centre KLCC, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Cheras, Pantai Hospital Klang and Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
However, people should take note that the Covid-19 home sampling service is subjected to charges imposed by the private medical providers. The prices may range vastly when compared to prices for check-ups at public hospitals.
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