Discussions for Private Medical Practitioners to support swabbing, vaccination and response to community transmission

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is initiating discussions with private medical practitioners on how best the latter can support COVID-19 swabbing, vaccination and the overall response to the current community transmission.

The Minister of Health and Medical Services Dr. Culwick Togamana stated, current situation warrants a mechanism in place for better engagement, cooperation and collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Private Health Practitioners.

Minister Togamana expressed, the Ministry is of the view that all hands are needed on deck at this critical time to be in a better footing to effectively respond to the current COVID-19 situation.

At the same time, necessary quality control procedure valves will be enforced at these testing sites.

It will further ensure modalities for pre- and post-test counselling are in place.

Cost of the tests at private labs will also be capped.

-GCU