by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK/ pic by TMR FILE

PREVIOUSLY only available at public hospitals or at home, Covid-19 screening tests are now more accessible at private hospitals.

Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has joined in the effort to combat the pandemic, by offering the test to the public for RM360 nett — a much lower price than those offered by other private institutions, which carry the price tag of RM700.

SMCV said individuals, who are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, breathing difficulty and sore throat, and/or have had close contact with a Covid-19 positive patient, are encouraged to drop by to get tested.

“The test is a quick process which can be done at SMCV via drive-thru or walk-in.

“For patients, who are keen to get a drive-thru test, they are required to make an appointment via WhatsApp. However, no appointment is required for walk-in patients,” SMCV said in a statement.

The institution has made itself open for screening from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm, whereby appointments are made via Whatsapp.

Another private institution to offer drive-thru screening to reduce public hospitals’ workload is the Mawar Medical Centre for RM550.

Its chairman Datuk Lee Tian Hock said the swabbing process takes five minutes without the individual having to get out of the car.

The swabs collected for testing include the oropharyngeal (throat) and nasopharyngeal (nasal).

The opportunity is made available for those who wish to be tested but cannot reach Kuala Lumpur due to the Movement Control Order (MCO), effective until April 14.

Similarly, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara also offers drive-thru testing for RM580 and can only be done via a WhatsApp appointment and QR code, whereas Pantai Hospital Ampang has opened tests in the same style for RM600.

Management and Science University (MSU) Medical Centre, Shah Alam began their testing services on March 31. For non-appointment drivers, the hospital ensures that patients scan the QR code provided.

Prince Court Medical Centre began offering its screening services yesterday, at RM650 nett per test.

On social media, a few users have posted photos of themselves going for the tests.

Pointray Management Sdn Bhd ED Ummi Nazeera who posted her experience at MSU on Instagram, included a video of herself undergoing the nasal test.

In the caption, she said she had been travelling and advised those who had been travelling overseas to spend a little more on the test.

“Thankfully, the result is negative for me.

“I advise you to do this test even though the general input is to self-quarantine. I honestly think it’s worth it to confirm your health, and it’s really not that difficult because I went for a drive-thru screening,” she said.

She added that the experience was slightly uncomfortable, but asked others to not let fear conquer them.

“At the same time, it would help our Health Ministry because the information will go to them. To travellers who don’t wish to do the test, however, I really ask that you self-quarantine for exactly 14 days and be honest when you meet the medical staff. Stay safe, everyone!” she said on her Instagram post.