President Jokowi Applauds Telemedicine Method to Treat Patients Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 13 April 2020
Category: News
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Cabinet Secretary pays attention to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s remarks on a Limited Meeting on Evaluation of COVID-19 Handling Task Force (Photo: Ibrahim/PR).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has praised the use of telemedicine—medical services using electronic communications and software without an in-person visit—to treat patients amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of telemedicine is said to minimize health risks among health professionals.

“It is a great effort to reduce risks among health professionals,” President Jokowi said on a Limited Meeting on the Evaluation of COVID-19 Handling Task Force via video conference on Monday (13/4).

The President added that he had received reports indicating that several technology application companies have cooperated with Ministry of Health to carry on telemedicine service.

“Today more than 15 million people using this application, from previously 4 million users. This is a positive development,” said the President.

In terms of patient management, President Jokowi said he had ordered Minister of Health to arrange which patients can be treated at hospital.

“Do not let everyone who is sick receive treatment in the designated hospitals. Patients with moderate symptoms (of COVID-19) should be treated in the Athlete’s Village emergency hospital,” the President explained.

Furthermore, the Head of State added that those who need intensive treatment can be treated in designated hospitals and those who do not need intensive treatment can be treated at home with a self-isolation method.

In the meantime, regional governments, he added, should also continue disseminating COVID-19 related information, especially regarding the obligation to wear face masks, to practice physical distance, and to carry out partial isolation.

The President also noted he had ordered relevant stakeholders to seriously maintain supply of health equipment such as ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers. (FID / EN)

 

 

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas

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