In This Blog:
– Drive-through testing centre
– List of hospitals
– Charges of COVID-19 tests
– Coronavirus symptoms
– Coronavirus prevention tips
Latest Updates
Update (June 9, 2020): The Government of Sindh is now providing free at-home coronavirus tests to those with recent travel history and those exhibiting symptoms of the potentially deadly disease. The nasopharyngeal swab tests will be conducted by medical professionals wearing protective equipment, as per the reports.
Here is how you can get yourself and your family members tested for coronavirus in Sindh:
Step 1: Dial 9123 from your landline or 021-111 11 9123 from your cellphone.
Step 2: Once your call connects, provide the operator with your personal details, symptoms, complete address and contact number.
Step 3: A team from the health department will visit your home within the next few hours and collect the samples.
Step 4: You will be notified about the results within the next 244 to 48 hours.
As of right now, the free coronavirus tests are being conducted in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Nawabshah, Mirpurkhas, Larkana, Rohri, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Badin and Dadu among other cities.
Update (April 9, 2020): The Aga Khan University Hospital recently launched a self-screening mobile app to help slow down the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan. Called ‘CoronaCheck,’ this new mobile app allows users to evaluate their symptoms from the safety of their homes, and if needed, seek help in a timely manner.
The app not only features an interactive self-assessment chatbot that helps users understand the symptoms they might be experiencing and help them determine if need to get tested for the potentially deadly virus, but also provides information about preventive measures suggested by the World Health Organisation and local health officials.
Moreover, CoronaCheck has a collection of COVID-19 awareness videos and a list of emergency numbers.
“The coronavirus has placed the country’s healthcare system under tremendous strain with frontline healthcare professionals already working around the clock,” said Saleem Sayani, the director of AKU’s Technology Innovation Support Centre. “Through this app, we hope to share useful tips that can prevent new cases and provide reassurance to worried citizens during a time of widespread concern.”
The app is available for download on Google Play Store.
Much like the rest of the world, the cases of coronavirus in Pakistan have seen a sharp increase in the past weeks. In order to keep the situation under control and ensure the safety of the citizens, the Government of Pakistan is urging people who have recently travelled abroad, have come in contact with a suspected patient or have shown any coronavirus symptoms, to get immediately tested for the disease. For this purpose, the government has released a list of facilities that are carrying out coronavirus testing in Pakistan.
Health experts and officials have also recommended potential patients to immediately contact the dedicated state helpline and visit the suggested medical facility or doctor on an urgent basis.
Helpline for 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Pakistan: 1166
The Drive-Through Testing Centre for Coronavirus
Update (April 6, 2020): The government of Sindh has recently established a drive-through COVID-19 testing facility at Jahangir Kothari Parade in Clifton, Karachi. According to a report published by Dawn, it is believed to be the first-of-its-kind coronavirus testing centre in Pakistan.
The new facility will allow suspected patients to avoid long queues at the hospitals and get themselves tested for the potentially deadly disease without going through much hassle. Medical staff and doctors deployed at the drive-through coronavirus testing centre have all been provided with personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of the virus.
Here is how one can get tested at the facility.
STEP 1: Call 021-99203012 to reserve a slot
STEP 2: Arrive at the facility on time. Whether one is driving a motorbike or a car, they need to write the serial number and name on a piece of paper and put it on their car’s dashboard or stick it on the bike’s front light. Also, one must not roll down their car’s windows or take off the helmet.
STEP 3: A doctor or a medical official will then ask the person coming in for the test a few questions regarding their recent travel history and symptoms. This is the first round of screening. The staff will then either ask the person to exit or proceed for the second round of screening.
STEP 4: The second screening for coronavirus will be conducted through the Indus Hospital screening mechanism. The doctor will assess the result and will either ask the person to leave or proceed for the test.
STEP 5: Medical professionals will collect a sample for coronavirus testing. Please note that one needs to stay in their car and recline their seat for the nasal swab test. Those on a bike only need to open the front of their helmets.
STEP 6: The test results will be communicated after 24 hours through WhatsApp or a text message.
List of Labs and Hospitals for Coronavirus Testing in Pakistan
As per the official COVID-19 data portal recently launched by the Government of Pakistan, these are some of the laboratories and hospitals that have been officially selected for coronavirus testing in Pakistan.
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Islamabad
The residents of Islamabad and nearby areas can visit the following testing centres for COVID-19 testing.
Virology Lab at National Institute of Health (NIH)
Address: Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad.
Phone number: 051-9255090-2, 051-9255112-4
Shifa International
Address: 4Pitras Bukhari Rd, Sector H 8/4, Islamabad.
Phone Number: 051-8464646
Islamabad Diagnostic Centre
Address: All Branches
Phone Number: 051-111 000 432
Islamabad Diagnostic Centre is also offering home sample collection service for the patients’ safety.
Excel Labs
Address: B-1 Capital Trade Center near Rahat Bakers, F-10 Markaz, Islamabad | Capital Shopping Center opp. Bank of Punjab, G-11 Markaz, Islamabad | Munawar Plaza Basement of Soneri bank, I-10 Markaz, Islamabad.
Phone Number: 051-8311000
Excel Labs also provide home sample collection service for coronavirus testing.
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Rawalpindi
The following facilities in Rawalpindi are carrying out coronavirus testing in the city.
Rawalpindi Medical University (Holy Family)
Address: Holy Family Road, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi.
Phone Number: 051-9290321
Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) Rawalpindi
Address: Near Chandni Chowk, Murree Road, Rawalpindi.
Phone Number: 051-9290301
Bahria International Hospital
Address: Bahria Town Phase 8, Rawalpindi.
Phone Number: 051-5173261, 051-5173262, 051-5173263
Citi Lab
Address: Kashmir Gate Plaza, Opp: Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Murree Road, Rawalpindi.
Phone Number: 051-4847390-92, 0334-0457457
You can also request a home sample collection, if needed.
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Lahore
For those who live in Lahore and nearby areas, these are the COVID-19 testing centres designated by the government.
Punjab AIDS Lab Lahore
Address: PACP Complex, 6-Birdwood Road, Lahore.
Phone number: 042-99201092-93
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital Lahore
Address: Khayaban-e-Firdousi, Block R3, Johar Town, Lahore.
Phone number: 042-35905000
Chugthai Lab
Phone number: 0311-1456789
You can simply call or send them a Whatsapp message to request a free home sample collection. The test charges will apply.
Punjab Forensic Science Lab
Address: Science Enclave, Near NAB, Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-37840007
Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) and Research Centre
Address: One PKLI Avenue, Opposite DHA Phase 6, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-36093000
Jinnah Hospital
Address: Usmani Road, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99231400
Lahore General Hospital
Address: Ferozepur Road, Ismail Nagar, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99268808-09
Lahore TB Program
Address: 24-Cooper Road, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99205953, 042-99203799, 042-99203798
Institute of Public Health Lahore
Address: 6 Abdur Rehman Chughtai (Birdwood) Road, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042 99200708
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Address: Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99211374, 042-99211449
Bahria International Hospital Lahore
Address: Takbeer Block, Sector B, Bahria Town Lahore.
Phone Number: 042 111 296 296 -7
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Multan
In Multan, coronavirus tests are being conducted at the following facility.
Nishtar Hospital
Address: Nishtar Road, Justice Hamid Colony, Multan.
Phone number: 061-9330153
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Faisalabad
This is where one can get their coronavirus test done in Faislabad.
Allied Hospital
Address: Dr. Tusi Road, Faisalabad.
Phone Number: 041-9210082
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Wazirabad
Those living in Wazirabad in Gujranwala District can get tested for the virus at the following location.
Trauma Centre THQ
Address: Circular Road, Wazirabad.
Phone Number: 055-6606080, 055-6606081
Coronavirus Testing Centers in Karachi
Those who live in Karachi can visit these hospitals for COVID-19 testing.
Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
Address: National Stadium Rd, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Phone number: 021-111 911 911
Civil Hospital Karachi
Address: Mission Road, near Nanakwara, Karachi.
Phone number: 021-99215740
DOW University Ojha Campus
Address: Suparco Road, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Scheme 33, Karachi
Phone number: 021-99232660, 021-38771111
Indus Hospital
Address: Plot C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite Darussalam Society, Korangi Crossing, Karachi
Phone number: 021-35112709-17
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Institute (JPMC)
Address: Rafiqui Sarwar Shaheed Road, Karachi Cantonment, Karachi.
Phone Number: 021-99201300
The Sindh Institute of Urology & Transplantation (SIUT)
Address: Civil Hospital, New Labour Colony, Nanakwara, Karachi.
Phone Number: 021-111-000-313
Dr. Ziauddin Hospital
Address: Block-B, North Nazimabad, Karachi | 4/B, Shahrah-e-Ghalib, Block 6, Clifton, Karachi | Plot No. 33, Behind KPT Hospital, Kemari, Karachi.
Phone Number: 0321-3660249
Chughtai Lab
Address: All branches
Phone Number: 03111456789
They also offer free home sample collection service.
Coronavirus Testing Centers in Sukkur
Those living in Sukkur and nearby areas can visit Gambat Institute Of Medical Sciences for coronavirus testing.
Address: Gambat, Khairpur.
Phone number: 024-3640160, 720772-773
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Quetta
In Quetta, these hospitals will carry out the COVID-19 tests.
Fatima Jinnah Chest and General Hospital
Address: Brewery Road, Quetta.
Phone number: 0800 00742
Regional Blood Center Quetta
Address: Spiny Road, Quetta.
Phone Number: 081-9213429
A mobile diagnostic centre has been established in the city of Taftan.
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Peshawar
These hopsitals are conducting tests for coronavirus in Peshawar.
Punjab Health Laboratory at Khyber Medical University
Address: F1, Phase 6, Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Phone number: 0800 00742
Hayatabad Medical Complex
Address: Phase-4 Phase 4 Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Phone Number: 091-9217140
Rehman Medical Institute (RMI)
Address: 5-B/2, phase-v, Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Phone Number: 091-111-734-626
Northwest General Hospital & Research Center (NWGH)
Address: Passport Office Road, Phase 5, Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Phone Number: 091-5838800
Ayub Teaching Hospital
Address: Mansehra Road, Abbottabad.
Phone Number: 0992-381907
Coronavirus Testing Centre in Swat
Here is the COVID-19 testing facility in Swat.
Saidu Sharif Medical College Hospital
Address: Marghazar Road, Saidu Sharif, Swat.
Phone Number: 0946-9240131
Coronavirus Testing Centre in Dera Ismail Khan
The residents of DI Khan can contact the facility below for COVID-19 testing.
Mufti Mehmood Memorial Teaching Hospital
Address: N-50 Highway, Dera Ismail Khan.
Phone Number: 0966-747067
Testing Centres in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
These hospitals have been selected as the coronavirus testing centres for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir region.
Abbas Institute of Medical Science, Muzaffarabad
Address: Ambore, Muzaffarabad.
Phone number: 058-22921016
DHQ Hospital Mirpur
Address: Allama Iqbal Road, Mirpur.
CMH Rawlakot
Address: CMH Road, Cantt, Rawlakot.
Phone Number: 0582-4920092
Coronavirus Testing Centres in Gilgit Baltistan
The residents of Gilgit region can visit the following hospitals for COVID-19 testing service.
DHQ Hospital Gilgit
Address: Hospital Rd, Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan.
Phone number: 058-11920253
CMH Skardu
Address: CMH Road, Gamba, Skardu.
You can find the complete list of testing centres on the official Government of Pakistan website for COVID-19.
Charges for Coronavirus Test in Pakistan
According to the Express Tribune, government hospitals are conducting coronavirus tests in Pakistan for free. However, private laboratories are charging PKR 7,900 for the tests. It is important to note that some private hospitals, for instance, Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, only test a patient for the virus following their screening results, which costs PKR 1050 and it can be done on a walk-in basis.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus are quite similar to those of flu, as per the health experts around the world. If you, or someone in your family, is showing any of these symptoms, you must immediately contact the state helpline and get a test done.
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dry cough
- Gastrointestinal problems and diarrhoea
- Pneumonia
This respiratory virus can cause the lungs to fill up with fluid. In severe cases, the patient may experience complete kidney failure, which could be fatal. Therefore, please make sure the patient has been put in quarantine to stop the spread.
You can take a look at our guide on how to prepare for home quarantine to learn ways to stay safe and virus-free indoors.
Moreover, everyone must practice social distancing to slow down the spread of COVID-19, which has so far claimed more than 400,000 lives across the world. The coronavirus cases in Pakistan are also multiplying at an alarming speed.
Why is the coronavirus test important for kids and elderly?
Those with low immunity are most likely to contract the potentially fatal coronavirus. That means it is extremely important for children, elderly and immunosuppressed people to get the screenings and tests done in case they exhibit any symptoms of coronavirus.
Tips to Prevent Coronavirus at Home
Since prevention is better than cure, here are some useful tips to prevent coronavirus at home:
- Disinfecting the surfaces that are frequently touched
- Be careful while handling the laundry belonging to a sick person
- Use warm water to wash clothes
- Make sure your hands are covered when cleaning. Wear protective gloves for an added measure
- Use a disinfectant spray to keep your home free of germs
- Clean your mobile phone as frequently as possible
Please note that this blog will be updated as more information is released, so make sure to check back frequently.
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