COVID-19 testing options expanded

TDT | Manama

A number of private hospitals across the Kingdom are now permitted to conduct tests for the coronavirus (COVID-19), National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) CEO Dr Mariam Al Jalahma confirmed yesterday.

Dr Al Jalahma revealed that the NHRA has granted permits to a number of private hospitals to conduct testing on patients suspected to be infected with COVID-19 or those who are asymptomatic, at their request.

According to reports, eight hospitals have been given permits. They are Al Salam Specialist Hospital, American Mission Hospital, Royal Bahrain Hospital, Awali Hospital, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Al Kindi Specialised Hospital, Ibn Al Nafees Hospital and Dr Tariq Saeed Hospital.

Dr Al Jalahma emphasised that health services from continuous screening, quarantine, and treatment remain free of charge at all government quarantine centres, as well as isolation and treatment centres, for the coronavirus for both citizens and residents in Bahrain.

However, the option for testing in private hospitals is available. In this context, the NHRA CEO indicated that these institutions will conduct the examination within the hospital premises and then send the collected samples to public health laboratories where the results will be made known.

The fees for these tests are to be determined by the private hospital, and they should be between BD40 and BD50. Al Jalahmah reiterated that all services provided in private health facilities, including the optional tests, are in accordance with the guidelines and standards approved by the World Health Organisation and the national medical team combatting the coronavirus.

They come within the framework of contributing to the national efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.