The Establishment of a COVID-19 Testing Laboratory at Velana International Airport by ADK Hospital

On Wednesday, ADK Hospital in collaboration with Lux Resorts & Hotels and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), has opened a COVID-19 testing laboratory at the TMA Terminal located at Velana International Airport. 

A virtual ceremony was held at which the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, officially inaugurated the laboratory. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister stresses on the importance of increasing the testing capacity at Maldives to accommodate the influx in tourist arrivals. In this regard, he commended the private sector for efforts to improve the testing capacity alongside the government.

The opening of this laboratory is estimated to have increased the testing capacity of ADK hospital to 2000 tests per day in addition to amplifying the efficiency of the testing process as it is equipped with the latest technology and will process tests using a fully automated Roche LightCycler 480 PCR System. Collections of samples have also been made much simpler. Moreover, samples which are collected from the post at TMA and samples brought in from different resorts and islands can also be tested at this laboratory. In addition to this, a sample drop-off point has been developed at the ferry terminal as well.

Furthermore, also on Wednesday, ADK Hospital has revealed that they have reduced the prices of PCR testing. Accordingly, now, from locals who are doing the test will be charged a total of MVR 1000 instead of MVR 1200 whereas foreigners will be charged USD 70 instead of USD 80.