Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Dubai Health Authority announced on Sunday, September 13, that the cost of the Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test will be reduced from AED 370 to AED 250. According to the authorities, this was done in an effort to make testing more accessible and encourage proactive medical examinations as a precautionary and preventive measure against Covid-19.
Additionally, last week Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA) also announced the reduction of the prices for the PCR test. The new pricing applies to all of SEHA’s drive-through testing centers across the country. 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 a reduced cost of AED 299. However, the test remains free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus and others who are classified under vulnerable groups.
Also Read: Covid-19 in the UAE: Government Releases Updated List of Rules and Fines Applicable
Photo: Unsplash
The decision to lower the cost follows a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the UAE after which authorities declared in a statement that they will spare no effort to combat Covid-19 to ensure the safety of society and the health of its members.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the PCR test has been one of the primary forms of detection of the virus. After the nasal swab insertion, results usually take around 24 to 48 hours to come out. A positive result indicates that the person is infected while a negative result indicates the opposite. To limit the ongoing spread of this virus, it is important to take the test as soon as you suspect any symptoms arising. Being able to detect it immediately would allow you to contain it as it can be easily spread if precautions were not taken.
Read next: UAE Government Approves Emergency Use of Covid-19 Vaccine for Frontline Workers
