Our highest respect, keep your spirit and always ask for protection from God Almighty
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Health, Terawan Agus Putranto, on Monday assured that the Indonesian government will continue to support and assist health workers, or “health knights”, in their fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).



"The government, in this case, the Ministry of Health, will continue to support and assist health workers in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the minister said while opening an online discussion on strengthening human resources on Monday. The discussion organized by RSPI Sulianti Saroso was broadcast from Jakarta.



Speaking at the discussion, Health Minister Terawan emphasized that anyone can be exposed to COVID-19, including health workers, such as doctors and nurses.



He said many medical personnel have been treated or have lost their lives after being exposed to the coronavirus while handling patients.



The minister then thanked the “health knights” for continuing to put their lives at risk to serve others.



"Our highest respect, keep your spirit and always ask for protection from God Almighty," Terawan said.



Strengthening health services and ensuring the availability of health human resources are two main health issues involved in tackling COVID-19, said Prof. Dr. Abdul Kadir, head of the Health Human Resources Development and Empowerment Agency (PPSDM) at the ministry.



He also stressed on government support for health workers.



He said health workers play a big role in handling COVID-19 — from the stage of detection to response — and must be supported by all stakeholders.



The government has provided incentives amounting to Rp1.027 trillion to health workers so far, he noted.



Compensation has also been provided to 76 health workers who died of COVID-19 out of a list of 89 people who were declared entitled to receive it, he added. (INE)


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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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