Hospitals in Cambodia are reducing PCR tests in the absence of Covid-19 patients

PCR test centres for Covid-19 have either discontinued or scaled back operations after a substantial fall in cases for nearly three weeks in a row across the country.

Covid-19 testing at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh, cambodia has ended, according to reports, although the virus can still be tested at Preah Ket Mealea Hospital, cambodia for a cost.

The service was shut down last week, according to Doctor Em Sothea, who worked at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital and was involved in Covid-19 testing.

"People aren't coming to be tested because the Covid-19 situation in the country is currently weakening." "Since the beginning of the month, no one has come in for exams," he continued.

"They can get tested at the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) in Tuol Kork district if they believe they are infected," he said.

According to another doctor, Ouk Ryda, hundreds of manufacturing workers, sellers, and others from the private sector had previously been tested for the virus at the hospital.

"I believe people are increasingly examining and treating themselves when they detect symptoms," she continued.

According to Dr. Yan Sreyleak of Preah Ket Mealea Hospital, which still does Covid-19 exams, the hospital offers two sorts of tests: one for tourists and one for locals.

"Travelers can expect to pay $100 to $200 for testing, while residents can expect to pay $50-60," she said.

PCR testing for Covid can be done at NIPH and is free for locals, according to Cambodia Ngy Mean Heng, Phnom Penh's director of health.

Authorities will look into whether local people are being held responsible for the testing or the results, he said.

No residents in the province request PCR tests, according to Le Chansangvath, director of the provincial health department in Banteay Meanchey, and only rapid antigen tests are performed for unvaccinated migrant workers.

"Migrant worker cases have decreased significantly in recent years, and those who have been vaccinated do not need to be followed," he stated.

"All we ask is that people notify the local health official if a rapid antigen test comes up positive," he said.

According to the department's Deputy Director Oum Nhel, PCR testing is still available and free across the province.

"Despite the decrease in incidence, Covid-19 transmission is still present, and we must proceed with caution," he said.