"We are adding another feature to the telemedicine service, and starting this afternoon, we will also cover patients, who tested positive in the antigen rapid rest," Chief of the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the Health Ministry Setiaji noted during a virtual press conference, Wednesday.
Setiaji explained that the self-isolation telemedicine service target was expanded, from earlier only being used for patients with positive PCR test results, while now, this doctor consultation service and free medicine package delivery would cover patients with positive COVID-19 antigen test results.
To access this service, patients must undergo an RDT-antigen examination at a health facility or laboratory affiliated with the Ministry of Health's New All Record (NAR) system.
"If the RDT-antigen result is positive, then health facilities and the examining laboratory must input the results into the Ministry of Health's Antigen NAR," he remarked.
The patient will automatically receive a confirmation on WhatsApp messenger or manually check their identity number on https://isoman.kemkes.go.id/.
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Messages from WhatsApp messenger can be used to consult with doctors and redeem free medicine packages. The medicines are provided by Kimia Farma and delivered by the expedition service, SiCepat.
"Within 24 hours, we are optimistic of the medicine arriving at the patient's house," Setiaji remarked.
The Ministry of Health will also expand telemedicine services for self-isolated patients outside Java-Bali, specifically in Medan, Palembang, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, Manado, and Makassar.
Telemedicine services will help self-isolating patients to have access to medicines and doctors' consultation with minimum health risks. Currently, a total of 17 platforms provide telemedicine services.
From January 17 to February 14, 2022, around 391,978 COVID-19 positive patients were recorded in the Java-Bali region. Some 364,850 patients received confirmation via the WhatsApp messenger, while 43 percent of the patients had contacted telemedicine services.
Meanwhile, a total of 136,028 patients had received electronic prescriptions and 97 percent of them had redeemed the medicine. Most patients received medicine in package B specifically for those with mild symptoms.
"On average, most of the medicine packages are received by patients residing in Jakarta," he added.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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