Karachi: Local government and health departments on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s first drive-through testing centre facility, according to a news report.
To this effect, Information Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that the initiative came as part of the government’s intensive efforts geared towards the eradication of the coronavirus threat in the city.
This drive-through testing centre is located on the Jahangir
Kothari Parade area of Clifton, according to press release by the ministry’s media
management and public relations director. As per the announcement, the
government has provided all personnel at the facility with the necessary
protective gear and equipment.
Media coordinator to the Sindh Health Minister Meeran Yousaf stated that Indus Hospital’s mobile vans were being used for this drive-through testing facility. She added that these vehicles would drive around Karachi’s District South, while a proper testing schedule is being prepared.
She revealed that citizens could call this facility between
9 am and 5 pm, and the vans would come collect their samples between 12 pm and
3 pm. Moreover, people who visit this centre will be given a registration
number, but will only be tested if they have a travel history or display
certain symptoms of the virus.
To avail this facility, citizens are required to
call the District Commissioner South at 02199203012, and this helpline would
give them a time and code for the test. This test would take place in three
stages, with an initial screening to determine whether a blood sample will be
needed.
