Vaccination Is The Key To Stopping COVID-19 Transmission And Countries Can Save IDR 500 Trillion

JAKARTA - The government is seriously working to provide protection to the community against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government continues to carry out testing, tracing, and treatment, as well as education for 3M to reduce transmission of COVID-19.

The government also bears the cost of hospital care for COVID-19 patients, which based on the survey results show that the average treatment cost is IDR 184 million per person. In addition to the huge costs, people affected by COVID-19 cannot work productively, which reduces their income.

Not to mention the loss if a citizen dies at productive age. Of course this will be a cost burden for the family left by the patient.

"If we can be disciplined in implementing the 3M health protocol (wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining a safe distance), and the government is actively running 3T (Tracing, Testing, Treatment), we can save even greater state losses, we can save up to Rp500. trillion, and use it to develop Indonesia's economy, "said Professor of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Hasbullah Thabrany in a written statement received by VOI, Friday, November 27.

He said this at the Productive Dialogue with the theme "Maximizing Health Management through Vaccination" held by the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), Thursday, November 26 yesterday.

At this time, he said, the government is indeed covering the hospital costs through the Ministry of Health's budget. If it is treated for more than 30 days, especially if you have to enter the ICU, it can cost Rp. 15 million per day, so the expenses can be more than one hundred million.

"But the public needs to understand, even though it is borne by the state, do not feel comfortable and do not care about implementing the Health protocol. Remember when we are treated we become unproductive, it has lost a lot of income per day. Not to mention that every day patients feel worried about their health conditions, this is what money cannot count, "explained Hasbullah.

The best way so that the people and the state do not suffer even greater losses is to prevent, not to be exposed to COVID-19. Therefore Hasbullah advised to be disciplined in undergoing the 3M health protocol.

"If there is a vaccine, we will add the vaccine. Even though the price of the vaccine is not yet out of value, for example, the price will be, say Rp. 200,000. This investment will give us a safer opportunity than to have a high risk of infection and require treatment," he explained.

"The costs are very heavy if you get COVID-19, especially if you don't want to be vaccinated later. Life can be uncomfortable because of the risk of spending Rp200 million-300 million if infected. Vaccines have proven to be able to provide peace, for example the case of TB disease, because almost everyone has been vaccinated against BCG , we can live peacefully, "added Hasbullah.

Not only is it economically detrimental, but this disease is also very serious and needs extra handling. Icha Atmadi, one of the COVID-19 survivors, said that even the slightest symptoms can hurt both physically and mentally.

"Especially for those with severe symptoms, such as that experienced by my father at that time, who need breathing aids. The feeling of anxiety felt like every day will face death," said Icha.

If Icha Atmadi's treatment costs are calculated and borne independently, it could reach hundreds of millions of rupiah for 45 days of treatment. It's just that the cost of caring for Icha and her family and other COVID-19 patients is currently borne by the state.

Icha Atmadi's experience confirmed Prof.'s statement. Hasbullah said that all COVID-19 patients, whether their symptoms are mild, moderate or severe, experience their lowest point, making someone more self-introspective.

"My father got several infusions, not to mention added aids for suppression, as well as supporting tools and other medical measures. So I was really worried at that time," said Icha.