The Da Nang Department of Health has announced that those who want to be tested for COVID-19 can go to medical facilities for examination and guidance. Only licensed medical facilities can conduct testing for the virus. However, for the time being, public hospitals are prioritising mandatory diagnostic tests for in-patients, their family members, and those showing symptoms or residing in neighbourhoods where positive cases are registered. Therefore, remaining residents who are in need of COVID-19 testing services and quick tests can look to licensed private medical facilities.

Taking swab samples for COVID-19 testing at the Da Nang Family Hospital

Health insurance covers the cost of COVID-19 testing for patients who take medical quarantine measures, coronavirus infected patients undergoing medical examination and treatment at medical facilities, and cases designated by medical facilities in line with the Ministry of Health's guidance on diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2.

The maximum cost of testing by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) method is VND734,000/sample whist a quick test for bacteria/viruses/fungi/parasites is priced at VND/238,000/ sample at the highest, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health released on November 30, 2018.

Those who are at risk of catching the deadly virus are eligible for free screening tests, whilst others seek paid tests at private medical establishments.

For instance, amid his worries about the possibility of infections, a man working at Thanh Khe District-based Ngu Sen Garden Restaurant has come to the Da Nang Family Hospital for a COVID test.

After his declarations on the epidemiological factors plus respiratory symptoms, the man was advised by the doctor to be tested for the virus via RT-PCR.

After the sampling, he was transferred to a quarantine area at the hospital to wait until his test result was announced.

“Fortunately, I tested negative for the virus, and I was released from the hospital, after signing a written commitment to complying with medical quarantine rule in my neighbourhood” said the man.

For the time being, the Da Nang Family Hospital offers two options for those in need of COVID-19 tests as mandatorily prescribed by doctors. Simply put, swab samples are taken for testing at the hospital and then sent to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC Da Nang). Tests are fee of charge and CDC Da Nang will release the test results soon. In another case, sampling taking and quick tests are conducted right at the hospital at a fee of VND734,000, and results are available in 6 - 8 hours.

The Thien Nhan Centre for High-tech Medical Diagnosis, a private medical facility in Da Nang has obtained an accreditation from the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute to confirm COVID-19 test results,

Staffers who are in charge of conducting COVID-19 testing meet the prescribed requirements, and all of them have joined the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute-offered courses on COVID screening techniques.
Since the beginning of May, every day, Thien Nhan offers testing services to about 200 people, of whom four are positive for the virus.

For the time being, the centre boasts a daily capacity of testing 1,000 samples for testing, said doctor Ngo Duc Hai, the centre’s Director.

On May 4, 2021, on the website ncov.moh.gov.vn, the Ministry of Health announced a list of 123 medical establishments nationwide that are allowed to confirm COVID-19 test results. Amongst them are four Da Nang-based facilities, namely the CDC Da Nang, the Da Nang C Hospital, the Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital, the Thien Nhan Centre for High-tech Medical Diagnosis and the Hospital 199 under the Ministry of Public Security.

According to a representative of the municipal Department of Health, to be tested for COVID-19, people must fill out test request forms with truthful information.

Amidst the complicated developments of COVID-19, medical facilities are focusing on tightening measures to secure the ultimate safety of their staff and visitors.

Reporting by HUYNH LE – Translating by A.T