The actual number is, of course, bigger.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - As many as 2,172 health workers in Indonesia have died handling the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, according to the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI).

"These health worker victims should become a lesson for us that COVID-19 exists and gives extraordinary messages," IDI secretary general Ulul Albab said at the “Media Gathering: Lessons from 3 Years of the Pandemic” event here on Thursday.

Based on IDI data, as of March 8, 2023, out of the 2,172 health workers who died, 756 were doctors. Albab said that most of the deaths were recorded among general practitioners, followed by obstetricians.

He further informed that, other than doctors, the deceased health workers included 718 nurses, 421 midwives, 33 nutritionists, 25 environment sanitation workers, 2 cardiovascular technicians, and 25 oral health therapists.

The health workers also included 22 medical laboratory technicians, 13 health records officers, 14 public health workers, 40 pharmaceutical technicians, 11 optometrists, 7 health promotion workers, 24 radiographers, 2 occupational therapists, 1 speech therapist, 12 workers in the electromedical field, and 46 dentists.

"The number presented is still continuously being updated because there are many that still need to be verified. The actual number is, of course, bigger," he said.

The IDI secretary general highlighted that the experiences during the pandemic must be used for reflection and serve as lessons in facing potential future pandemics.

To this end, he asked all parties, especially the media, to document the moments of the pandemic so that the struggle of every health worker who died does not go in vain.

At Thursday's event, IDI suggested that March 15 be commemorated as National Pandemic Day or National Health Awareness Day to reflect back on the hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"After all, they are heroes for all of us. Without their sacrifice, we could not have reached this point," Albab remarked.

Related news: Vaccination still important amid unpredictable COVID spread: IDI
Related news: Second booster govt's extra effort to protect elderly: IDI







Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023