Nilai Medical Centre has announced that “drive-thru” COVID-19 testing is now available, which makes it the 2nd hospital to provide the service in Negeri Sembilan. The service begins today (1st April 2020), with patients required to make an appointment before heading to the hospital for the testing process.
The entire process will take 10 minutes, with results available within 48 hours. Nilai Medical Centre CEO Jasmine Lau explained that the “fast processing” drive-thru testing process will offer those who suspect exposure/infection a quick way to get tested, with minimal close contact.
Additionally, this is also part of a move to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts in increasing early detection of the coronavirus, with the ultimate aim of flattening the curve of the pandemic.
“With the rising number of Covid-19 cases, the 10-minute drive-through test will encourage the public to get tested if they have any concerns or suspect that they may have been exposed to the virus. The drive-thru concept minimises close contact while also ensuring the safety of our staff. Swabs are taken while individuals remain in their vehicles. If any persons are tested positive, we will immediately notify and direct them for treatment at the appropriate government hospitals.”
This makes NMC the second hospital in Negeri Sembilan to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, after the Mawar Medical Centre announced a similar move with the aim of reducing the load on government hospitals. In Kuala Lumpur, a number of healthcare providers have also announced this faster method of testing, with Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, and KPJ Damansara offering similar options.
It’s worth noting that drive-thru COVID-19 testing services are mostly offered at private hospitals, which mean that significant charges are expected. KPJ’s drive-thru test is priced at RM600, while testing at Thomson will set you back RM580.
For the Nilai Medical Centre, the COVID-19 drive-thru test will cost you RM580, with an RM80 discount for senior citizens and healthcare workers. The drive-thru is available from Wednesdays to Fridays, from 2pm–5pm. However, you’ll need to make an appointment beforehand—call 06-8505 100 or send an email to [email protected] to do so.
If you want to go for a drive-thru test that does not require an appointment, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital says that its drive-thru service is the only option to offer this. To find out more, click here. Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about getting tested for COVID-19 in Malaysia, click here.
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