UNAIR NEWS – East Java Provincial Government has given 2,600 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) reagents for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus tests to the Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Saturday, March 28, 2020.
This reagent is an important material to confirm infection of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 type by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method from taking a person’s specimen through a swab test. The aid was handed over directly by Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa to the Head of UNAIR ITD Prof. dr. Maria Lucia Inge Lusida, Sp.MK., M. Kes., PhD., in the Grahadi State Building.
“So far, the detection that provides high-precision related to corona virus infection is using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Until now the reagents must be imported, ” she said.
Furthermore, continued Khofifah, her party also strived for adequate supply of this reagent. So today the provincial government is providing 2,600 reagents aid for ITD UNAIR which has been appointed by the government as a place for PCR testing.
Governor Khofifah also appealed to the community, for those who have been confirmed as Patients Under Monitoring (PDP) to not hesitate asking for referrals for swab and PCR test. People who already have PDP status should not worry about the cost. Because if the test results are positive the test costs will be covered by the central government and if the results are negative the test costs will be covered by the provincial government.
“For those who are PDP, and the results are tested positive, the costs will be reimbursed by the central government. If they are tested negative, East Java provincial government will pay the cost, “said Khofifah.
The provision of sufficient reagents is an integral part of covid-19 handling in East Java. Because the faster it is detected, the faster the handling steps including tracing to be carried out.
“This aid is to avoid possible deficiencies. Next week, there will be another 2,000 reagents arriving. Although we do not expect an expansion of this epidemic, but it is better if we provide the tents before it rains, “concluded Khofifah.
On the other hand, 2,600 reagents aid for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 were greatly appreciated by the Head of Universitas Airlangga ITD Surabaya Prof. Dr. Maria Lucia Inge Lusida SpMK MKes PhD. Specifically, Inge thanked the East Java Provincial Government for helping to provide PCR reagents for IT.
“This PCR technique can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus earlier and more sensitive, so we can make decisions faster on what steps to handle,” Inge explained.
Since the coronavirus outbreak broke out, ITD has conducted 1,000 tests. She hoped that this assistance can provide the availability of services for people who need to have a PCR test.
Author: Nuri Hermawan
