Abu Dhabi slashes Covid-19 PCR test prices to $49

Abu Dhabi hospitals have further reduced the price of Covid-19 PCR tests to D180, based on a directive from the Department of Health (DoH).

Earlier, the Abu Dhabi health authority had slashed the price of the nasal swab PCR test from Dh370 to Dh250. However, on September 20, DoH sent out a fresh circular to all hospitals in the Capital, asking them to bring down the price to Dh180.

The directive also covers screening centres under the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), which were earlier charging Dh250 for the PCR tests.

The DoH circular titled 'Diagnostic test for Coronavirus (Covid-19)', a copy of which KT has obtained, states: "Please note that the cost of the PCR test is updated and shall be covered by the individual directly, with a maximum amount of Dh180 for cases with no symptoms or medical indication for testing."

The test remains free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus and others who are classified under vulnerable groups.

Conforming with the policy and implementing it at once, healthcare operators such as Mediclinic and VPS Healthcare in Abu Dhabi said the tests across all their branches in the Capital have been capped at Dh180.