Insufficient Ambulances, DKI Transports COVID-19 Patients In Isolation Using Transportation Agency Cars And School Buses

Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Riza Patria, said the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases in the capital city had forced the government to look for alternative vehicles to transport patients.

Riza admitted that currently, the availability of ambulances in Jakarta is not sufficient to transport all COVID-19 patients from home to controlled isolation areas. Thus, vehicles belonging to other agencies are also used.

"Of course all agencies work together. This is not only the responsibility of the Health Office. All agencies in Jakarta, synergize, collaborate, and help, because this is our problem together", said Riza at City Hall, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, June 30.

Riza said that currently the existing ambulances were used for COVID-19 patients with moderate and severe symptom categories.

Meanwhile, OTG (people without symptoms) patients and mild symptoms were escorted using Transportation Service vehicles to school buses to the isolation area.

"So, in addition to ambulances, we also use school buses and assistance from the Transportation Agency to take patients with OTG or mild symptoms", he said.

Since a few days ago, the operational cars of the Transportation Service in each sub-district have begun to be converted to transport COVID-19 patients.

The middle and rear seats in the car have been removed to suit the needs of evacuating COVID-19 patients. Then, the driver's seat and the patient's place are insulated with plastic to prevent transmission of the virus.

COVID-19 patients cannot directly ask the sub-district to pick up and evacuate using a transportation agency vehicle. Because, in carrying out vehicle operations, officers coordinate with the COVID-19 Task Force at the Citizens Association levels.