Tzu Chi Provides Medical Support for Hospitals in Handling Covid-19

Ricky Budiman, Tzu Chi Volunteer committee handed a box of 25 Coveral Safety kit symbolically to medical teams at RSPI Sulianti Saroso at the hospital press roon on 18 March 2020.

Covid-19 or the coronavirus has now become a pandemic. Indonesia, as one of the most populous countries in the world was also affected. Various methods are used to prevent the spread of the virus from becoming more widespread, including dismissing school activities in several cities. In addition, socialization was continuously held to ensure people to calm down while still being alert and not be consumed by false information (hoaxes) in the community.

Since the Covid-19 shocked global citizens in January, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia has been intensively providing medical equipment to Wuhan, China to support medical workers in 16 hospitals in Wuhan city.

Director of RSPI Sulianti Saroso, Prof. dr. Mohammad Syahril expressed his gratitude in front of the media for the attention and support given by Tzu Chi Indonesia to the medical team that handles Covid-19 patients.

Now, in March 2020 Covid-19 has affected so many countries, including Indonesia. Us (Tzu Chi volunteers and other citizens) surely need to stay alert, but have to be calm in facing this trying time. We indeed need to support and obey the government's effort in suppressing the spread, such as avoiding crowded places and keeping our hand hygiene properly.

Medical teams (doctors, nurses, and others) who work at the hospital are the backbone of the Covid-19 handling. They are the frontliners in this outbreak. As a form of support towards the medical team in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, Tzu Chi Indonesia provided protective suit for medics such as Coverall Safety, face mask, goggles, gloves, and other necessary kits like ventilator units for three Covid-19 referral hospitals.

Joe Riady, Head of the Tzu Chi Emergency Response Team (TTD) conveyed the sincere intentions and prayers of Tzu Chi volunteers for medical staff and patients to overcome the Covid-19 disease. Hopefully these medical support can be found useful by the medical team.

The stage 1 assistance (18/03/2020) consisted of 1,000 Safety Coveralls (isolation clothes) distributed to the office of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (400 units), Gatot Subroto Army Hospital (200 units), Sulianti Saroso Hospital (200 units), and Persahabatan Hospital (200 pieces). Other relief items are in the process of being procured.

According to Suriadi, Head of the Tzu Chi Indonesia Secretariat, this medical assistance is a form of support from Tzu Chi Foundation for the government's efforts to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as a form of concern for the health and safety of the community, especially the medical team. "We hope that this outbreak can soon be overcome so that people can return to living safely, peacefully, and peacefully," said Suriadi.

Tzu Chi volunteers were welcomed by RSPI Sulianti Saroso Director, Prof dr Mohammad Syahril in the hospital hall.

Joe Riady, Head of Tzu Chi's Emergency Response Team said Tzu Chi will support the medical team on duty at the government referral hospitals that handle Covid-19 cases. "This medical equipment is very urgent for nurses and doctors because they work full time in isolation rooms where they are at high risk of contracting, if they get infected, who else will treat these patients," said Joe Riady.

"We Tzu Chi volunteers hope that this non-natural disaster can be resolved soon with the help of Tzu Chi volunteers throughout the world, hopefully this disaster can be resolved soon and life will return to normal soon," hopes Joe Riady.

Tzu Chi volunteers pose for a photo with Director of RSPI Sulianti Saroso, Prof dr Mohammad Syahril as a way to thank Tzu Chi Indonesia for their assistance.

Director of RSPI Sulianti Saroso Prof dr Mohammad Syahril directly received medical equipment provided by three Tzu Chi committee volunteers in the press room. In his remarks, Prof dr Mohammad Syahril expressed his gratitude to Tzu Chi Indonesia, who showed their concerns regarding the medical team that was in direct touch - 24 hours to take care o f positive Covid-19 patients in the isolation room.

"We really need these equipment (Personal Protective Equipment), such as Coverall Safety (isolation clothes), face masks, glasses, gloves and other needs, because we (nurses, doctors, hospital cleaning teams, security) work in very risky situation. In addition to this, we also supply nutritious foods for those who work on a daily basis," said Prof. dr. Mohammad Syahril. "So once again, on behalf of RSPI Sulianti Saroso and the medical team in charge, would like to thank the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation for supporting us here," he concluded.

Translated by Chrestella Budyanto (Tzu Chi School)