Leading healthcare provider in the Kingdom, Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) is now offering COVID-19 testing to those who wish to be tested and rule out if they are a carrier of the virus. BSH is now approved to do the test in-house and is the first healthcare facility that is currently approved to do the PCR test (Gold Standard) in addition to the tests being done in the public health lab. We spoke to BSH Managing Director, Dr. Kasim Ardati, who answered some frequently asked questions about the new service.
When did Bahrain Specialist Hospital begin offering COVID-19 testing to the public?
We have been offering COVID-19 testing at our hospital in Juffair since May 14th, 2020, when the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) made the elective testing available in the private sector for the general public who are willing to pay for the test.
BSH is happy to be able to provide our community this resource as a quick, accessible way to rule out if they are a carrier of the virus.
What are the symptoms one should look for before getting tested for COVID-19?
Some of the common symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste.
Which demographics have a higher risk of contracting the virus?
Individuals of all ages can be infected by COVID-19, but older individuals and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be at a higher risk to be severely ill if infected.
Does BSH accept walk-ins for the coronavirus testing service or is it preferred that people book appointments in advance?
To ensure that we are able to implement proper social distancing standards, we only accept individuals that have booked appointments for the COVID-19 testing and are not suspected to have the infection.
How can one book an appointment to be tested?
Our process is simple! Once an individual calls 17812222, our customer care team will send the individual an SMS with the payment link to pay for the test, and then book an appointment at the individual’s convenience. Alternatively, those wishing to get tested can also book their service through the ‘COVID TEST’ tab on our website.
How long does it take to receive a result from the test? Is it preferable that the patient waits at the hospital during this time?
Test results will be ready within 24 hours after swab collection, and the result can be viewed on the MOH website or can be checked on the BeAware Bahrain app. If the test result is positive for COVID-19, the individual will be notified by BSH and/or MOH and will be asked to follow MOH directives. While the individual waits for the test result, it is advisable that they self-isolate in the safety of their home.
Is it advisable for people who do not meet the Ministry of Health’s criteria for COVID-19 testing to undergo the test at BSH?
Individuals that do not meet MOH’s standard criteria for COVID-19 testing can come to BSH for a quick and convenient, paid elective screening.
Healthy people are encouraged to get screened since the incubation period for COVID-19 is between 2 to 14 days. This means that a person who has the virus can appear perfectly healthy up to 14 days after contracting the virus, before any symptoms appear.
BSH has proudly been serving the Bahraini and neighboring communities for over 17 years and was the first hospital in Bahrain to earn the Joint Commission International Accreditation(JCI) starting in 2011. The hospital vows to continue to provide relevant, evidence-based resources to help keep you safe.
To book your COVID-19 testing appointment, kindly call 17812222 or click here: https://www.bahrainspecialisthospital.com/covid-register.php.
