A retiree has to travel twice to Kaunas for the COVID-19 test: nobody wants to understand those people from the countryside

The old man said that, in his words, there was a “very stupid order” at this time.

“I constantly go to the Kaunas Clinic, where I have to perform an important procedure for my health. Since I have an incurable disease, I have to do it regularly. As you can see, I must test for COVID-19 before each procedure.

Apparently, according to all orders, I am registered in Kaunas to do the COVID-19 test and I have to come two days before the procedure. I’m still an older person, I can’t handle that distance myself, the buses don’t work and so I need to hire someone who can drive me. “

The retiree assured that he had begun to look for an alternative in which he could carry out such a test closer to home. He learned that there was a mobile station near his village in the nearest city where the coronavirus tests were being carried out.

“I tried to find out, but I got the answer that the test must be done by the medical institution you go to for the procedures. It is alleged that this order was issued in mid-July of last year and nothing can be changed.

So if I got to Kaunas the same day, I would still have to stay overnight, because I won’t do that test in half an hour. I am outraged by this situation, when a GP could prescribe a referral and you could check 5 kilometers away, now an old man and a retiree need to drive twice around here, ”he was outraged.

According to the man, if he does not receive treatment and skips those necessary procedures several times, the disease can progress.

“In other words, I have an incurable disease, but it is stopped with special drugs. Nobody wants to understand these townspeople and nobody is turning their heads around their problems. An elderly man or a local taxi from my house would still take those five miles to the point to check for infection, but no one records me when I tell them why I need a test. It is advisable to contact Kaunas immediately.

I understand that for those who live in or near Kaunas, it is not really a problem to go for that test, but for people from other districts? Simply, no one looks at a person, but the system that is approved by the order and everything. “

According to the man, he is not who he is and he has been asked a lot to find out how he is here with the Ministry of Health (SAM).

The order must change

Initially, Delfi contacted the Kaunas Clinics press representatives, who explained that a patient who needs a prior test for COVID-19 before the hospital procedure can obtain it where it is most convenient for him according to the place of residence.

“If the patient does not have this option, then they can contact their doctor, who will pre-set a day of hospitalization and the COVID-19 test will be done before the scheduled hospital procedure.”

However, such an answer did not solve the old man’s problem, as the closest place to check it was a mobile point, and he was not given the opportunity to do so there.

SAM explained the current procedure in more detail and indicated that it should change a bit soon.

Gitana Ratkienė, Advisor to the Division of Primary Health Care and Nursing of the Department of Personal Health, stated that according to the current procedure (Order No. V-1504 of the Minister of Health), if a patient is scheduled for hospital treatment ( including outpatient surgery), coronavirus no more than 72 hours before hospitalization.

‘A PCR test for coronavirus can be done, like any other test performed before a patient is referred for scheduled inpatient services:

1. in an inpatient treatment center that provides inpatient services;

2. o a medical institution authorized to provide primary health care services takes a sample for PCR coronavirus test from the patient’s nasopharynx and pharynx and organizes its examination;

Patients scheduled for daycare (for example, drip or spray during treatment) should undergo PCR testing for coronavirus or a serologic antigen test if they have symptoms associated with COVID-19 at least one of the following symptoms: temperature 37.3 ° C and higher, cough, shortness of breath, sudden loss or weakening of smell or taste) or meets at least one of the epidemiological criteria for COVID-19. “

He also noted that in the near future an amendment to the legislation should come into force, according to which a sample for the coronavirus PCR test can be taken from the patient’s nasopharynx and pharynx not only in the hospital but also at the place of nearest residence. before a planned hospitalization service, medical rehabilitation at a mobile point.

“In this case, the person must register for the exam through the 1808 Direct Line electronically (that is, it will not be possible by phone) by completing the electronic registration form HERE or registered by a specialist designated by the head of primary outpatient health institution.

Therefore, the amendment states that it is not appropriate to perform a coronavirus PCR test before a planned hospital service, medical rehabilitation or a social care institution if:

1. A coronavirus PCR test has been performed on the patient or other person remaining under the care or supervision of the patient who has been scheduled for hospital care at least 72 hours in advance. and the study result was negative and the patient and the other person who remained in the care or supervision met the isolation requirements and do not have symptoms of specific COVID-19 symptoms or epidemiological criteria for COVID-19;

2. the patient or the person who remains in their care has recovered from COVID-19 and has no characteristic symptoms of the disease, within 90 days after the first symptoms of coronavirus infection began;

3. the patient or other person remaining in their care has been vaccinated with COVID-19 according to the full vaccination schedule for a period of 90 days;

4. the patient or other person remaining in their care has received a positive serological antibody test in less than 60 days;

5. Patients or persons who remain in the care or supervision of an immunosuppressed person shall not be subject to the exemptions provided for in points 2 to 4. ».