Mataram (ANTARA) - The Mataram City Regional Hospital (RSUD Mataram) in West Nusa Tenggara said it will prepare additional portable PCR (polymerase chain reaction) swab test kits for the upcoming World Superbike (WSBK) event at Mandalika Circuit, Lombok.

The event is scheduled to be held from November 19 to 21, 2021.

"The use of this portable PCR is incidental. We no longer allocate a budget for purchases, especially since COVID-19 cases have decreased. So, we will look for a third party to provide the portable PCR kits," RSUD Mataram director, Dr. Hj Ni Ketut Eka Nurhayati, said here on Monday.

Portable PCR devices are needed to support PCR swab tests of WSBK spectators, she added. Their procurement cannot only depend on the NTB Hospital and the WSBK organizers, she said.

"However, hospitals in surrounding districts/cities, including RSUD Mataram, are expected to provide health service support for WSBK," Nurhayati added.

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The health service support includes the opening of 24-hour PCR swab services and placement of portable PCR equipment around the Mandalika Circuit arena, she explained.

"This means that we have to add PCR swab test kits because our current equipment only has a capacity of 50 samples with two times using," she added.

RSUD Mataram has begun to run the 24-hour PCR service, including on holidays, she informed.

"This 24-hour PCR service is in accordance with the needs for handling patients in the emergency department. For the PCR rate, we have adjusted the price according to the government's instructions, which is Rp300 thousand," Nurhayati said.

The average PCR test rate in Mataram is 30 samples per day for travel purposes, as positive COVID-19 cases in the area are currently low, she added.

"We are still treating five COVID-19 patients with comorbidities," she added.

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Translator: Nirkomala, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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