A leading healthcare provider in the UAE has warned residents against purchasing ‘fake negative RT-PCR tests results’, particularly for travel purposes. On Wednesday, Aster DM Healthcare issued an advisory, underlining that a number of travellers at the airport have been seen carrying fake PCR test reports issued by third party agents on behalf of healthcare companies.

The company added that a complaint has been filed with the Dubai Police and the matter is under investigation.

In certain cases, reports were edited digitally to display a negative test result. A number of scammers also gave fake negative test results to allow passengers to travel without any difficulty. Most countries across the world have mandated a negative RT-PCR test report as a pre-travel requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reports have confirmed that a large number of third-party agencies and travel agents are involved in the ongoing scam as they provide fake negative test reports to travellers flying abroad.

According to Aster DM Healthcare's advisory, UAE residents and travellers must use only RT PCR testing services from authentic healthcare service providers for important purposes, including international travel.

Depending on the type of service, PCR tests in the country can cost between Dh50 to Dh150.

UAE healthcare experts have also spoken against the scam, adding that fake negative RT-PCR reporting should be considered ‘biological terrorism in penalties and punishment.’

Speaking in this regard, Dr Mohamed Zedan, a specialist in family medicine at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, urged the public to refrain from such behaviour. Any fake negative test result can result in the transmission of the infection to other people on the flights.

“If someone dies, this loss of life should be solely upon that single scammed fake report the patient bought for his selfish reasons. Authorities must treat such cases with an iron fist and jail the scammer and the one who facilitated such fake certificates," he added.

He urged all people to showcase their national responsibility and report such incidents.

"Act as if your family is on the same plane and sitting next to a fake certificate holder,” he stated.

In addition, Dr Bobby Jose, clinical administrator and specialist neurosurgery at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, stressed that mandatory PCR testing is not only for passengers' safety but for others too, including their near and dear ones.

"Scams like these put a disgraceful mark on society. It is unacceptable to put your own selfish needs over the health and safety of everyone else. Millions have died, alone and isolated from their loved ones because of this pandemic," he added.