"Regularly checkups though PCR testing will reduce the risk to the lowest level," General Chairperson of the IDI Executive Board, Daeng Mohammad Faqih, remarked during an online discussion monitored in Jakarta, Tuesday.
Faqih highlighted the high level of transmission observed among medical personnel, especially doctors, owing to direct contact with COVID-19 positive patients.
Hence, the process of protecting medical personnel is deemed crucial in the midst of the threat of COVID-19. The IDI also lauds the support of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 that is willing and able to conduct free PCR examinations for medical personnel.
"Although this has only just started in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), we are optimistic of it being emulated in all regions, especially in the nine or 10 main target areas, with high reported cases of COVID-19," he affirmed.
Responding to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country, reaching four thousand a day, the IDI assessed the need to focus on two important areas in the near future.
The first concerns additional health service capacity since the IDI is concerned that patients will not be able to avail facilities at treatment rooms.
Such a scenario, if not handled promptly, will not only affect the patients but also have a negative impact on health workers. For instance, a large number of patients at a hospital will inevitably overwhelm doctors and nurses, thereby increasing their likelihood of contracting COVID-19.
"This will not only affect patients and doctors but also health workers, in general, including those who clean medical equipment in rooms," he pointed out.
Secondly, the IDI will consult with all health workers to encourage the public to become more disciplined in applying health protocols. "At least maintain discipline in the form of always wearing masks," he added.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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