Bad News From West Manggarai Regency, Until Now, There Is No PCR Equipment There

Deputy Regent of West Manggarai Yulianus Weng (ANTARA/Fransiska Mariana Nuka)

JAKARTA - Deputy Regent of West Manggarai Yulianus Weng said the area did not have a Reserve Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test kit. "Until now, there are no PCR equipment in West Manggarai," said Deputy Regent Weng in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, reported by Antara, Monday, August 23. He explained that the only available tool now is the molecular rapid test (TCM) used at the Komodo Labuan Bajo Hospital. Meanwhile, there are no tools for RT-PCR examination at all. He said, before the application of the maximum limit for the PCR tariff of IDR 525 thousand, there were several clinics that continued to provide RT-PCR services with samples to be sent to the examining laboratory in Denpasar at varying prices. However, since the enactment of the new tariff for RT-PCR examinations, many clinics have not resumed sampling services. As a result, many travelers are unable to get RT-PCR inspection services, resulting in trip cancellations. Following up on various complaints from travelers regarding the absence of RT-PCR equipment in this super premium city, which causes inspection services to be not optimal, the government is trying to find a way out by asking several clinics to be able to serve people who will travel at a predetermined rate.

Now, there is a clinic in West Manggarai that can provide RT-PCR examination services at prices according to the circular letter of the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). "There is already one clinic that can serve RT-PCR at a price of Rp. 525 thousand. Denpasar," said Deputy Regent Weng. Furthermore, Vice Regent Weng explained that the samples that had been taken by the private clinic would be sent to Denpasar for examination. Thus, the results of the sample inspection can only be known after two days or 2 x 24 hours. Previously, the West Manggarai Regency Government had proposed the procurement of an RT-PCR inspection tool to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. Vice Regent Weng said the government waiting for the results of the proposal.