TZU Chi Penang will open its free Covid-19 rapid test service to the public, especially the B40 group, when it has completed its test run at the screening station at the Tzu Chi Dialysis Centre in Jalan Perak.
Dr Tang Kiat Beng of Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), who oversees the running of the Covid-19 screening station, said they are currently providing the service only for dialysis patients, care recipients, charity donation members, Tzu Chi staff members, volunteers and members and their families.
“We’ll later provide the service for the B40 group,” Dr Tang told reporters at the screening station in Jalan Perak.
“We are operating every Monday and Thursday from 8am to 11am. We know the public hospitals have a lot of workload now because of the many Covid-19 cases and we want to help lighten their burden.
“To book an appointment, they have to go online and fill up a form.
“The rapid test does not take long and is about 90 percent accurate. The result can be known within an hour. If the test result is positive, we will tell the individual to go to hospital for further testing or PCR test.”
Since the screening station was opened on June 10, Dr Tang said 20 people have undergone the rapid test over two days. All were found to be negative.
One volunteer doctor and three medical volunteer nurses would be on duty at each session.
Tzu Chi Commissioner Khoo Boo Leong, who was also present, said the rapid test is for close contact or those who feel they want to take a test to allay their fears.
“But if we know they have serious symptoms from their online application, we will tell them to urgently go to hospital. They should not wait for us because our screening station opens only on Mondays and Thursdays,” Khoo added.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic started early last year, Tzu Chi has been helping public hospitals all over Malaysia by donating personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, full body suits and respirators.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Tzu Chi Penang