ADK cuts rate for COVID-19 PCR test, opens a lab in VIA

ADK Hospital, in collaboration with the LUX* Resorts & Hotels, has opened a laboratory in Velana International Airport (VIA), to allow passengers more convenience in undergoing PCR tests for COVID-19.

The lab, located at the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) terminal, was opened in a virtual ceremony on Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.

With the new lab, the lab in the ADK Hospital in Male’, and a lab at the N. Maafaru airport, the hospital now has three labs which offer COVID-19 PCR tests.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new lab in TMA terminal, ADK Group’s CEO Ahmed Nashid thanked LUX* Resorts & Hotels for their generous assistance in building the lab.

He also thanked TMA, noting that the space to build the lab was allocated by the company free of charge.

Nashid said that the lab is equipped with the latest technology, and will process tests using a fully automated Roche LightCycler 480 PCR System.

REDUCATION IN RATES

Nashid announced that with the new lab, the ADK Hospital will also be reducing the rates for PCR tests.

Starting this Wednesday, ADK Hospital will be charging tourists USD 70 instead of the previous USD 80 for COVID-19 PCR tests. Meanwhile, locals and foreigners with work visas are charged MVR 1,100.

Nashid said that though the ADK Hospital charges customers for PCR tests, it is not for the purpose of generating revenue.

 Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Dr. Mausoom, in his speech, thanked resorts and TMA for their continued efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 from international tourists who arrive in Maldives.

He also stressed the need to improve Maldives’ testing capacity to accommodate the increase in tourist arrivals, and commended the private sector for efforts to improve the testing capacity alongside the government.