Abu Dhabi is witnessing a huge rise in demand for COVID-19 RT-PCR tests amid the emergence of the Omicron variant. In line with this rise in demand, Abu Dhabi-based private healthcare group is also ramping up its screening capacities and operating round-the-clock drive-thru services in the Capital as well as Sharjah.

Abu Dhabi authorities have mandated green pass requirement in Al Hosn app for entry into the emirate, weekly PCR testing for employees of government entities and companies along with self-regulation by community members. These protocols have resulted in long lines in front of COVID-19 screening centres across the region.

Medical experts from NMC Healthcare are working on fulfilling the increase in demand. In addition, NMC Royal Hospital in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi’s Bareen International Hospital have initiated drive-thru services on a daily basis. Bareen International Hospital has strengthened its RT-PCR drive-thru to serve 4,000 cars per day, resulting in the facility reaching 80 percent of the 10,000-samples per day capacity.

Speaking about the development, Dr Ramzi Alshaiba, medical director and specialist, general surgery, Bareen International Hospital, there has been an increase in demand for RT-PCR tests due to the new protocols issued by Abu Dhabi government.

"Testing has always been an important pillar to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and PCR test has been the gold standard. We are committed to helping protect the health and safety of the community, most especially at this time," he added.

On December 14, NMC Royal Hospital in Sharjah launched RT-PCR drive-thru services. It was turned into a 24x7 service on January 12. Now, the hospital is receiving more than 300 cars per night and the numbers are continuously rising, with about 10,000 tests being conducted on a daily basis.

Dr Mohammed Shabbir, head of department, emergency medicine, NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, affirmed that the drive-thru is the safest mode to carry out PCR testing as there is less interaction with outsiders and risk of contracting other respiratory infections like influenza or other bacterial infections is also limited.

NMC Healthcare CEO Michael Davis said that the facility has beefed up RT-PCR testing services to fight the pandemic in collaboration with regulatory bodies, the private and government healthcare sectors, and the communities.

"As our country reaches its goal of vaccinating the entire population, we hope to see the symptoms associated with the Covid-19 virus lessen. Yet, we need to always adhere to best practice protocols to keep our families and loved ones safe, and this includes rigorous testing," he added.