President Jokowi Converses with Pulmonary Specialist on COVID-19 Handling

President Jokowi talks to a pulmonologist through a video call uploaded on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel, Sunday (27/9). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo spoke via video call with a pulmonary specialist dr. Faisal Rizal Matondang, Sp.P, who is in charge of handling COVID-19 patients at Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital and a COVID-19 survivor.

During the conversation via video call uploaded on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel, Sunday (27/9), the President expressed his gratitude for the struggle, dedication, and hard work of doctors and medical personnel amid the pandemic.

Doctor Faisal, who has handled the COVID-19 patients since the outbreak in Indonesia began, shared his experience on contracting the disease before finally recovered and is able to return to provide treatment for patients infected with COVID-19.

“How is the handling of COVID-19 at Sulianti Saroso Hospital?” the President asked.

The pulmonary specialist who graduated from Universitas Indonesia explained that the treatment of COVID-19 patients at the hospital was in accordance with the procedures and standards of Ministry of Health. The doctor also stated that the hospital has complete facilities and the medicines are also available.

However, the doctor admitted that there is a shortage of medical personnel due to the surge in patients. “God willing, medical equipment is available. Personnel may still be lacking. The number of patients keeps rising,” Faisal said.

Faisal also stated that boredom is most likely experienced by the patients undergoing isolation and treatment. To help them, he admitted that he will chat longer with the patients and encourage them to think positively.

“I can imagine how hard it is to be on the front line of COVID-19 handling,” the President said.

The doctor also conveyed a message to the public to remain disciplined in implementing 3M (wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and maintaining distance as well as avoiding crowds) to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.

“Stay in accordance with health protocols, wear masks, wash hands, avoid crowds. Hopefully, we can get through this pandemic,” Faisal said.

At the end of the conversation, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude and appreciated the dedication and hard work of dr. Faisal along with other doctors and medical personnel throughout Indonesia to provide care for COVID-19 patients.

“I express my gratitude, my high appreciation for the hard work of the doctors and medical personnel who are facing the struggle,” the President said. (BPMI/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Mia M. Bonaedy