26 Health Facilities in Qatar Approved for PCR Test for Covid-19 Virus - MOPH - Doha News

Although Qatar has proportionally had one of the highest rates of positive cases in the region over the past several months, the healthcare system has also paved the way to allow a high rate of tests to be conducted.

The ministry of Health has approved 26 new health facilities and clinics allowing them to conduct PCR tests for the Covid-19 Virus. The list was published on the MOPH’s social media channels on Saturday, which includes health facilities and clinics throughout the country, making Covid-19 testing more accessible and available for citizens and residents alike.

The accessibility of being tested in these centers now, is part of the country’s efforts to meet the higher demand for Covid-19 testing, which is partially due to an increased number of people traveling back into the country with travel restrictions slowly being lifted and summer holidays coming to an end; added to that the easing of the lockdown and the resumptions of schools means that more people are interacting than before which will require greater testing in order to ensure the virus is kept at bay.

A PCR test is a standard test used to determine whether a person is infected with Covid-19 virus and consists of a nose and mouth swab.

Patients are advised to contact these centers in advance to book an appointment for testing. Priority is given to educators, travelers who wish to apply for pre-travel certification, and patients with pre-existing medical conditions. The cost for testing varies between 250-500 Qatari Riyals, depending on the circumstance of each individual case.

Those not wishing to pay for the test at a private clinic can still get tested for free at a Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) if they have COVID-19 symptoms or if they have come in contact with a person who’s tested positive for the virus.

For more information on symptoms and testing, the Ministry’s hotline for Covid-19 is still operational at 16000.