ADK announces discounts on tests after China donates PCR machine

Chinese ambassador Wang Lixin (L) and ADK's Chairman Ahmed Nashid (R) at the ceremony to hand over medical equipment to ADK Hospital on January 12, 2023. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Shathiu)

The Chinese government donated a PCR extraction machine and test kits to the ADK Hospital in Male’ on Thursday, which the hospital states will allow them to offer discounts on PCR tests.

The donation was handed over by Chinese ambassador Wang Lixin to ADK Hospital’s CEO and Chairman Ahmed Nashid on Thursday.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Wang said that the Chinese embassy and ADK have always shared close relations. She said China hopes the donation will be beneficial to the hospital’s patients.

Chinese ambassador Wang Lixin (L) speaks at the ceremony to hand over medical equipment to ADK Hospital on January 12, 2023. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Shathiu)

Nashid said the new PCR machine will help make it easier to serve more patients.

It is not just the Maldivian people who will benefit, but also foreigners who reside in Maldives, including Chinese people.

“Patients who get tested with PCR machine in this hospital will get discounts. Our goal is to ensure as many people as possible benefit from this,” he said.

He did not specify the discount rate.

ADK's Chairman Ahmed Nashid speaks at the ceremony to hand over medical equipment to ADK Hospital on January 12, 2023. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Shathiu)

Nashid also praised President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for the success in controlling Covid-19 in Maldives.

China made a similar donation to the Tree Top Hospital earlier this week.

Maldives and China established official diplomatic relations in 1972. The two countries celebrated 50 years to official diplomatic relations last year.

Wang took a tour of the hospital after the handover ceremony.