COVID-19 Emergency, Hospitals Shorten Length Of Hospitalization

JAKARTA - Cases of COVID-19 in the country continue to increase dramatically. Regarding this condition, the Indonesian Hospital Association (PERSI) said there was an acceleration in the duration of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients in areas with red and orange zone status.

Persi Secretary-General, Lia G Partakusuma, said the step was taken to prioritize treatment for COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.

"Accelerating the length of hospitalization. We hope that the public understands why our length of stay is shortened. If it is possible to be treated at home or (symptoms) are lighter, it provides an opportunity for those with severe symptoms to be hospitalized", she said in a virtual press conference, Sunday, June 20.

According to Lia, the hospital will certainly respond to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country with anticipatory steps. Including, adding capacity as requested by the government. However, this step must also adjust to the hospital's capabilities.

According to her, it is very likely that the surge in the number of patients will make the hospital full and no longer able to accept new patients.

"They came already in bad condition. Unlike last year, they took some time to be served. Some even died", she said.

Lia explained that by shortening the duration of hospitalization for COVID-19 patients, PERSI anticipates full hospital conditions due to the surge in COVID-19. That way, the risk of COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms having to be rejected can be minimized.

In addition, said Lia, many hospitals choose to shorten face-to-face examinations. Including, providing longer therapy. For example, patients usually come once a month, now they are extended to buy drugs for 3 months.

"So they will come later in 3 months. Then, but with a note that if there is something, they will immediately come to the hospital", she said.

According to Lia, this step is also taken to protect health workers and patients. Including making the hospital a safe area. For example, doing a barrier on every counter from the emergency room (ER).

"There is a separate flow starting from the ER, restrictions on keeping distance starting from chairs, queue lifts, we set SOPs according to the work zone, we improve the service system and are currently encouraged to register first, whether it's online or by phone and it is also recommended to use digitization", she said.