Dis-Chem offers free Covid-19 testing

The national clinic manager from Dis-Chem, Lizeth Kruger, said with the current backlog in testing and the rise of Covid-19, specifically in the Western Cape, the project was of great need.

Dis-Chem partnered with the Solidarity fund on the initiative.

Kruger said people eligible for the free testing were non-medical scheme members.

She said those in need of vulnerable groups such as single mothers, physically or mentally disabled people, pensioners or refugees, orphans and foster children, would be prioritised.

Dis-Chem also called on non-profit organisations (NGOs) to refer relevant people to contact them on covidclinic@dischem.co.za.

“Should an applicant be eligible, Dis-Chem will inform them via SMS and send a voucher to redeem for testing purposes, as well as directions to the nearest Dis-Chem testing site,” Kruger said.

“Test results will be available within three to five days. If you test negative you will receive an SMS with the good news. Positive results will be communicated personally by a nurse who will refer you to your doctor or nearest clinic.”

Solidarity fund’s healthcare leader, Jonathan Broomberg, said the fund allocated R20-million to support the facilitation of the tests setup by Dis-Chem and the Global Health Innovations Laboratory.

He said the programme would be targeted at communities that were not getting the Covid-19 testing programmes.

“Dis-Chem will arrange testing facilities at a number of shopping mall parking lots at its own cost, including the provision of nursing and other staff as well as personal protective equipment for these staff,” he said.

Broomberg added: “Widespread Covid-19 testing not only helps provide individuals with valuable information to assist them to better manage their own health, but it also assists epidemiologists to better identify positive cases, track and trace potential contacts to further slow transmission of the virus, Broomberg said.

You first have to apply for the test via one of these avenues:

• Call the Doctors on Call helpline on 087 055 0234 (weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00)
• Call Momentum’s Hello Doctor service on *120*394#
• Get a referral via the Discovery and Vodacom free Covid-19 consultations
• Get a referral from your family doctor (who may refer you via his or her Vula App)

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