Hulhumale' Hospital has begun conducting PCR tests as part of efforts to increase the COVID-19 testing capacity of the Maldives.
Hulhumale' Hospital announced PCR testing was launched at the hospital on September 12, becoming the third facility in the Greater Male' Region which currently provides the service. The hospital said the current target is to test 200 samples per day, adding the testing capacity will be increased in the future as additional resources become available. The hospital said 7 staff have been allocated to conduct the tests.
Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) had earlier stated additional facilities are being established to boost the COVID-19 testing capacity in the Maldives. In this regard, HEOC noted PCR testing will soon be launched at Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) as well.
PCR testing facilities are currently established in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), forensic laboratory of Maldives Police Service (MPS), Addu Equatorial Hospital and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, in addition to Hulhumale' Hospital. Furthermore, COVID-19 testing using GeneXpert cartridges have been made available in Ungoofaaru, Eydhafushi, Thinadhoo, Gan and Addu City.
HEOC states GeneXpert machines will be installed in an additional 4 regions as part of efforts to increase the testing capacity in the atolls.