ADK Hospital teamed up with LUX* Resorts and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) to develop a laboratory for COVID-19 testing in Velana International Airport (VIA), which was unveiled Wednesday.
The laboratory was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism Dr Abdulla Mausoom.
According to the privately-run ADK Hospital, tests will be conducted in the laboratory using fully-automated German-produced Roche brane machines.
In addition to handling the lab operations, ADK has now reduced the price of PCR testing for both locals and foreigners. The price for locals was cut down from MVR 1,200 to MVR 1,000, while tourists now have to pay USD 70 instead of USD 80.
ADK noted that the newly unveiled laboratory will increase ease and efficiency of conducting PCR testing, especially since the lab will test samples collected from resorts and islands as well, under a special transfer arrangement made at the ferry terminal.
All tourists visiting Maldives are mandated to undergo a PCR test prior to departure, as per the Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s guidelines.
Therefore, some resorts and guesthouses forward their samples to capital Male’ for testing purposes. However, with the establishment of the lab at VIA, it is expected that the testing process for tourists can now be carried out more smoothly.
ADK assures that, with the added testing capacity of VIA’s lab, a total of 2,000 PCR tests can be conducted via the hospital.
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