Govt probes Covid test scam

GOVERNMENT will probe reports suggesting that some Health workers are deliberately withholding Covid-19 test results in order to solicit for bribes from patients, Ministry of Health spokesperson Abel Kabalo has said.

Reacting to information that has emerged that test results are being deliberately delayed by some unscrupulous health workers to entice patients to pay for quick release of results, Dr Kabalo said while the Ministry was not aware of such development, the matter will be conclusively investigated.

He said once the investigations are concluded, the public will be informed of the outcome.

Dr Kabalo also said if it will be established that it’s true there are Health workers who are charging the public for the test results, appropriate action will be instituted on those behind the scam.

He said Government has put a lot of resources aimed at ensuring that Zambians have free Covid-19 tests and transmission of the results to the clients.

Dr Kabalo said all services concerning Covid-19, including sending of results through messages and phone calls are free of charge and fully paid for by Government.

“Government does not charge a thing for provision of Covid-19 tests or treatment and so if there are people who are doing that in public hospitals then they are doing a wrong thing and as a Ministry, we are going to Investigate and get to the bottom of this issue,” he said.

Dr Kabalo advised the public against falling prey to unscrupulous people who were taking advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic situation to steal money from the public.

He also urged the public to seek Covid-19 services from established Government centres to avoid being duped out of their hard earned money.