"The three packages of drugs for patients conducting self-isolation are not for sale," President Jokowi stated during the launch of free drug packages for self-isolating COVID-19 patients at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday.
The government has divided the 300 thousand packages of drugs and vitamins into three categories: package 1 containing vitamins for residents with positive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test result or people without symptoms; package 2 containing vitamins and medicines for residents with positive PCR test result accompanied by fever and loss of smell; and package 3 containing vitamins and medicines for residents with positive PCR test result along with reported fever and dry cough.
"The supply of drugs and vitamins, produced by pharmaceutical SOEs, is being prepared by the state-owned enterprises (SOE) minister. The distribution will be coordinated by the TNI commander, who will coordinate with the regional government, village government, as well as involve the Community Health Center (Puskesmas), village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), and administrators of neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW)," the president expounded. Related news: Jokowi presses for supervision during distribution of COVID-19 drugs
The head of state additionally pressed for strict on-field supervision.
"This program can really reduce the risk due to COVID-19 and help treat people suffering from COVID-19. I also expect that this program does not interfere with the availability of essential drugs for COVID-19 therapy at pharmacies and hospitals," the president added.
On the same occasion, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto elaborated on the procedures for accessing free medicine and vitamin packages.
"Based on the procedures of Puskesmas, the village midwife will perform triage for COVID-19 patients. The village midwife will segregate COVID-19 patients on the basis of mild, moderate, and severe symptoms," Tjahjanto remarked.
Meanwhile, the distribution of drugs and vitamins will be monitored by the TNI to prevent leakage.
"The distribution will be adjusted to the data held by the puskesmas," he remarked.
The packages will be stored at the military district command (Kodim), Tjahjanto noted.
Kodim will supervise and keep record of the incoming and outgoing drugs. Related news: Govt to distribute 300 thousand packages of COVID-19 therapy drugs
Related news: Minister assures COVID-19 drug stocks adequate
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Translator: Desca L, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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