Late in Pregnancy, Tracer COVID Liana Purba Fired, Medan Deputy Mayor: Don't Do Anything About Them!

Deputy Mayor of Medan Aulia Rachman with Liana Purba, a tracing officer who was unilaterally fired (Photo: DOK Era)

JAKARTA - The story of Liana Purba finally reached the ears of Medan Deputy Mayor Aulia Rachman following the case of her dismissal from the Puskesmas (Community Health Center) where she works. Daily, Liana works as a COVID-19 tracer or a registrar of close contact with COVID-19 patients.

Last Monday, March 22, Liana finally met Deputy Mayor Aulia and told her all her sad stories. She was fired because she had registered data on residents who tested positive for COVID-19 in her work area.

Exactly the data collection for one of the family members of the employees at the Medan City Health Office.

"I worked according to the SOP, I went to the field to do the tracing of families who were indicated to have been exposed to COVID-19. But they fired me arbitrarily. I think I was treated like trash", said Liana to Mayor Aulia Rachman in her office, Tuesday, March 23.

Liana is currently pregnant but is still betting her life on reducing the COVID-19 case in Medan. Information on dismissal was also obtained by Liana from her colleagues at the Puskesmas.

Regarding this case, Liana ventured to confirm with BNPB (National Agency for Disaster Management) and asked for an explanation from the Head of Puskesmas Sentosa Baru.

"I have directly asked Mrs. Mutia Nimpar, Head of the Medan Health Office Disease Control and Eradication, by phone. But my number is blocked", continued Liana, shedding tears.

Hearing Liana's story, Aulia Rachman seemed furious and asked the authorities, among others; Head of BNPB, Head of Puskesmas Sentosa Baru, and Head of the Medan Health Office Disease Control and Eradication Division. Turning on the speaker, she asked about Liana Purba's complaint.

"So you heard it right, don't cry anymore. Nobody dared to fire you. Don't try to do anything about them, especially you're in late pregnancy", said Aulia.

Aulia emphasized to the Health Office not to make decisions carelessly. Moreover, to dismiss Tracer officers who apparently recorded and performed tasks according to SOPs in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

"I remind the Medan Health Service that it is not arbitrary towards freelancers. We will act decisively", concluded Aulia.

According to Aulia, what was done by Liana Purba, was by the program of the Mayor of Medan, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution in implementing the COVID-19 health protocol, as well as the 3T socialization, Testing, Tracing and Treatment, as well as the success of the vaccination program which is currently being carried out.