Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – The Malang City Health Office through the Kedungkandang Health Center has provided a new breakthrough related to health services. This health center initiated a program called KOPI TUBRUK. This service is an online consultation specifically for tuberculosis (TB). The public can contact health workers and consult if they experience symptoms, treatment steps, and other things related to TB.
This program has been running since early March 2022, but it was officially launched to coincide with World Tuberculosis Day, March 24. This program was initiated because the number of TB infections in Indonesia, including Malang City, is still quite high.
"In our health center, in 2021, 56 cases were recorded. When the team went to the field, it turned out that many residents were still reluctant to get themselves checked. Because they were embarrassed and afraid of the bad stigma from their neighbors. Also because they were reluctant to seek treatment at government health facilities during the pandemic because of hoax news about people being diagnosed with Covid-19," said the Head of the Kedungkandang Health Center, Dr. Lisna.
Based on these facts, the idea arose to create an online consultation service program. Thus, patients or suspected patients do not need to come to health care facilities. This program is certainly in accordance with the instructions of the Malang City Government to invest in eliminating TB.
"One of them is by providing easy and friendly access to services. Patient confidentiality will be guaranteed and will be handled directly by health center officers. So patients do not need to come to the health center. Then from there we feel closer to accessing the needs of the community, especially in handling TB," he continued.
Not only limited to consultation services, but there will be follow-up if indeed through consultation residents are diagnosed with TB. "We direct sputum examination with molecular rapid test (TCM) as the basis for TB diagnosis. Patients do not need to come to the health center. Cadres will deliver the sputum pot and will collect the sputum the next day to be sent to the health center. The results will be ready in about 1-2 days. Then we will convey it and we will treat it according to the results," he explained.
Although organized by the Kedungkandang Health Center, this service is open to all residents of Malang City. "You can consult with us, then we will help you to direct you to the health center according to your area. Because the target and goal of this program is to achieve the discovery of TB patients and to handle TB patients properly. So as to reduce the prevalence and death rates due to TB in the Malang City community.
With this online service program, it is expected that TB prevention and handling can run optimally. The community is getting closer and easier to access health services.
"In addition, we also hope that easily accessible health information can be a reference for other cross-programs. Because the more cross-programs that have innovations in easy access, the better the health of the community in their areas will be," he concluded.
Malang City residents can access this service via the WhatsApp application at number 0815 5599 2895. (ari/ram)
