PSM as the Frontliner Joined COVID-19 Rapid Test

JAKARTA (June 18, 2020) - To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Ministry of Social Affairs along with “Ikatan Pekerja Sosial Masyarakat” or IPSM (Social Workers Association) held a COVID-19 Rapid Test at Gedung Aneka Bakti 3 Kementerian Sosial Cawang Kencana. The program was officially opened by Director General of Empowerment Edi Suharto and will be held for 2 days on 18-19 June 2020.

Community Social Workers (PSM) as one of the social pillars under the coordination of the Directorate General of Social Empowerment. PSM has an important role in the implementation of social welfare, such as assisting people who need social services, conducting socialization to the community to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and always inviting people to have a healthy life. PSM interacts directly with the community in carrying out their duties. This is the background of IPSM in collaboration with the Directorate General of Social Empowerment of the Ministry of Social Affairs to hold this event.

IPSM has partnered with several partners such as Ministry of Health, Standard Chartered, Halodoc, Kalbis, Kowani, Moestopo University and Mitra Keluarga. The implementation of this Rapid Test is one of the government’s efforts to assists the community in detecting COVID-19 as early as possible. A total of 1,226 people were targeted to take part in the Rapid Test consisting of PSM (social workers) from Jabodetabek, journalists, Buddhist women, Pita Putih, Kowani, educators and education personels, YKPI, disability and health workers.

The Rapid Test is carried out by applying the COVID-19 health protocol, starting from using a mask, checking body temperature and washing hands before entering the building, also maintaining physical distancing while queuing.

“We, the Ministry of Social Affairs, are trying to continue to help the community deal with the problems caused by COVID-19 by holding this Rapid Test. Hopefully, this program will benefit us all,” explained Edi Suharto.

In addition, packages of sembako were distributed to those who took the rapid test, except journalists. Packages of sembako are meant for communities affected by COVID-19 and one of them is PSM, which has not received assistance at all.

“For PSM we also provide sembako. It is also applied for the disabilities who take part in this Rapid Test. These packages are of course for those affected by COVID-19 who have never received any assistance from the government,” continued Edi.

This Rapid Test program was welcomed by the Chairperson of IPSM Nasional Dr. Ir. Giwo Rubianto Wiyogo, M.Pd.

“Thank you to Ministry of Social Affairs for giving us the opportunity to carry out this COVID-19 Rapid Test. We really need to do this because PSM is the front guard serving the community. So they are vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19 and most of the PSM are never participated in Rapid Test,” said Dr. Giwo.

Prevention of the spread of COVID-19 must continue to be carried out primarily by the government to be able to reduce wider spread of COVID-19, one of which is always wear a mask.

“Why do humans have to wear masks, because humans have droplets which can spread COVID-19. One way to prevent the spread is always wear mask,” explained the Special Staff of Minister of Health in the field of Human Resources Health Improvement dr. Mariya Mubarika.

Mariya also appreciated the organization of this Rapid Test. She hoped that the results for the examination of all participants were negative of COVID-19.

“This rapid test must be carried out by health workers. This rapid test is to found out the immunological system that we can see from the immunoglobulin. From there it can be determined what the next treatment for patient will be if the test said positive,” she said.

As we know, COVID-19 has changed many conditions in society, starting from health, economic, to culture experiencing significant changes due to COVID-19. There are so many people who experience economic hardship so they have to try harder to meet their daily needs, even those who have to swerve to find the right job to survive in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending the opening ceremony were Special Staff of Minister of Health, Acting Director of PSPKKM, General Chairperson of IPSM Nasional, Secretary General of IPSM Nasional, Head of Standard Chartered, Chief of Medical Halodoc, and all committees from both IPSM and Kowani.