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Covid-19: Cost of PCR test reduced across all SEHA testing centres in UAE

Dubai - The test remains free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus.

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The Abu Dhabi Health Services Co (SEHA) on Thursday announced that it had reduced the prices of the nasal swab PCR tests for Covid-19 to Dh250.
In a tweet, the UAE's largest healthcare network, stated: "For your convenience, we have reduced the price of the PCR nose swab test effective immediately across all SEHA testing centers." 
The notification in the tweet said: 'PCR test now Dh250 across all Seha testing centres,' indicating that the discounted rates for the test also applies to all of Seha's drive- through testing centres as well as hospitals and clinics in its network Seha has over 20 screening centres, located across five locations in the city including Abu Dhabi Corniche and Zayed Sports City.
 
These highly accurate nasal swab tests would typically cost Dh370 but as part of the UAE's ongong efforts to keep Covi-19 cases at bay, several clinics, drive through testing centres and hospitals have slashed the rates for the test. On September 6, 2020, Capital's Department of Health (DoH) issued a circular to healthcare providers stating it had capped the price of the PCR tests at Dh250.

For your convenience, we have reduced the price of the PCR nose swab test effective immediately across all SEHA testing centers.#SEHA #Healthcare #inAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/6RUSj8mjJ7
- SEHA - ???? ??? (@SEHAHealth) September 10, 2020

Previously, the DoH circular titled 'Diagnostic test for Coronavirus (Covid-19)', a copy of which KT has obtained, states: "Please note that the cost of the PCR test is updated and shall be covered by the individual directly, with a maximum amount of Dh250 for cases with no symptoms or medical indication for testing."
The test remains free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus and others who are classified under vulnerable groups.
Other healthcare networks across the country have also slashed their PCR test prices.
The VPS Healthcare Hospitals, which runs 12 hospitals and a number of clinics, recently announced that it is now offering the test at Dh200, with results expected within 24 to 48 hours. Those who wish to get their results within 12 hours could avail of the Dh250 option. Hospitals under the group that are offering the discounted price include Burjeel Hospital, LLH Hospital, Medeor Hospital, and Lifecare Hospitals.
Zulekha Hospital has launched special group screenings, encouraging people to get tested before they get back to work at a price of Dh250 per test.
A number of Aster Clinics across Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman have also announced that they are conducting the RT-PCR tests at Dh299.
saman@khaleejtimes.com