Gov’t Takes Measures to Provide More Beds for COVID-19 Patients

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin delivers a statement after a Limited Cabinet Meeting on Monday (11/01). Photo by: PR/Rahmat

The Government takes several measures to provide more beds for COVID-19 patients amid surge  in COVID-19 cases after Christmas and New Year holidays, according to Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

“Within one month we must increase the number of beds for COVID-19 patients from 15,000 to 36,000. This is a problem we will face this week, next week, until the end of January or early February,” the Minister said in a press conference aired by the Cabinet Secretariat YouTube channel, Monday (11/01).

To increase the capacity, Budi added, he had ordered hospitals to increase the allocation of beds for COVID-19 patients.

“This is the fastest way to increase the number of rooms in anticipation of tens of thousands of new patients who will need treatment. I ask all directors and owners of the hospital to provide 10 percent to 30 percent or 40 percent of the hospital beds to treat COVID-19 patients,” he said.

In addition to increasing the capacity of beds, the Government is also making efforts to overcome the shortage of health workers, especially doctors and nurses.

“I have issued several regulations that allow nurses who don’t have a registration certificate to come to work right away,” Budi said, adding that the same policy also applies to doctors.

Regarding the need for additional medicines and medical equipment, Ministry of Health will work to maintain the supply of the medicine needed, including immunoglobulin, anti-interleukin 6, convalescent plasma, as well as medical equipment such as high-flow nasal cannula and ventilators.

The Minister also asked regional governments to help maintaining the supply of medicines and medical equipment. He will also provide assistance in direct negotiations with several companies that produce anti-interleukin-6, immunoglobulin and other medicines. (FID/UN) (RI/MMB)