Don't Forget Puskesmas And Its Important Role In Corona Virus Detection

A puskesmas officer in Banjarharjo, Brebes, Central Java (Special)

JAKARTA - Currently, community health centers (puskesmas) in each region are able to carry out COVID-19 test screening. This is because the number of COVID-19 transmission in Indonesia continues to increase.

Director General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Bambang Wibowo said this screening method is the result of tracing people who are suspected of having close contact with people who are indicated to be positive for the corona virus.

"After the puskesmas conducts interviews and an epidemiological investigation of a person and it is stated that screening is necessary, the puskesmas will conduct a screening," said Bambang at a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Tuesday, April 6.

There are two methods used in screening. First, use a rapid test tool that tests blood specimens. Second, doing a saliva swab, or taking fluid from the throat or nose.

In a rapid test, blood draws can be drawn from the cancer (fine blood vessels) or from a person's fingertips. Then, the blood is placed in a rapid test kit before finally showing positive or negative results.

Meanwhile, in taking swabs from the throat and bridge of the nose, the results are not yet known. The Puskesmas will take the specimen to the laboratory for examination using PCR.

"After the results are obtained, information will be carried out whether the results are positive or negative. To those who carry out the examination, if there are no signs of severe or moderate illness, it is advisable to carry out self-isolation at home," he said.

During isolation at home, the puskesmas together with the local hospital will monitor, provide education and information about what to do to the person using their respective cellphones.

Turn the brain for minimal PPE

Bambang asked medical personnel at the puskesmas to always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when doing work related to COVID-19. However, Bambang also acknowledged that PPE is distributed to each puskesmas.

Therefore, Bambang hopes that the medical personnel at the puskesmas will be able to work well even though the health facilities are still limited.

"Don't forget to continue to use good and correct personal protective equipment with all the limitations. By utilizing and using proper and correct personal protective equipment, we can save but still be protected from the risk of being exposed to COVID-19," said Bambang.