The decree was signed by the health minister on February 4, 2020.
The COVID-19 disease had been declared as an extraordinary event, so its medical service costs were not covered by the national health insurance BPJS, M. Iqbal Anas Ma'ruf, spokesman of the BPJS Health, explained here on Tuesday.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed here on Monday that the Indonesian government had readied over 100 hospitals, with the application of WTO-required service and facility standards throughout the nation to handle coronavirus infection cases.
"We also have budget funding that will be prioritized to handle it (coronavirus). If we are not serious about handling it, it will be highly dangerous, and we should remain vigilant and exercise caution," he emphasized.
The hospitals are equipped with isolation rooms of the highest standard, the president remarked while announcing the first case of COVID-19 in the country.
The Indonesian government had devices of international standard to handle people contracting the coronavirus infection, he noted.
"We have also made adequate preparations for the reagent. We have a joint team that we remain tight-lipped about. The joint team comprises the Indonesian military/police personnel and civilians to handle coronavirus cases," he noted.
In addition, the government has standard operating procedures aligned with the international standard, he remarked.
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Translator: Aditya R, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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