Lamented The COVID-19 Monitoring Post Which Does Not Operate 24 Hours

Illustration (Photo: Twitter @BNPB_Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (RSPI) stated that the coronavirus or COVID-19 monitoring post is no longer operating for 24 hours.

This decision is based on the results of the evaluation. This is because when the complaint post operates 24 hours, at night or early morning, only a few people come to check their condition.

RSPI pediatrician, Dyani Kusuma Wardhani, said the operation of the monitoring post only took place from 07.30 WIB to 21.00 WIB.

"Our monitoring post is still open but it is no longer 24 hours because if we look at it, not too many patients arrive at that night," Dyani said in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 17.

Even though it only operates until evening, Dyani explained, special handling will still be carried out for patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms. They will be taken to the Emergency Room (IGD). Meanwhile, patients who experience mild symptoms will be advised to come tomorrow for examination.

"So at the monitoring post, cases that are clinically good will be carried out. If you wish, you can continue the medical check-up the next day, if there are symptoms that need to be examined, a doctor will be examined," said Dyani.

This policy was criticized by the Expert Council of the Indonesian Public Health Expert Association (IAKMI) Hermawan Saputra. According to him, in handling COVID-19, it is not good if services in detecting the spread of the virus only operate at certain times.

Supposedly, medical personnel should continue to work hard in handling the Corona virus. This is because the number of patients who are included in the surveillance category is increasing, reaching thousands.

"It's not good if it's only at night, although those who show severe symptoms can be treated immediately. Supposedly, they can also think about other people," said Hermawan.

He said, monitoring posts are at the forefront of preventing COVID-19. The existence of this post is also necessary to suppress the sense of public concern over the virus.

Therefore, Hermawan suggested, the post remains open 24 hours. If necessary, more flexible sampling of people who have self-examinations can be done.

"There are many ways that can be used, by taking samples flexibly. It can take advantage of existing health facilities. The government must see what is happening. Must pick up the ball," said Hermawan.