Batam Awal Bros Hospital sets Swab Rate Exceeds Maximum Limit, Netted by Extortion Eradication Team

Editor: Lia Sisvita Dinatri

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM  -  The Riau Islands Province (Kepri) Extortion Eradication Unit highlighted the cost of the swab test at the Batam Awal Bros Hospital, which costs Rp 1.6 million. 

This highlight is given in the form of a letter regarding the socialization of the Decree Minister of Health regarding technical guidelines for the cost of treating patients with certain EIDs.

"The extortion eradication team still provides directions, but has highlighted it," said Head of Batam City Health Department, Didi Kusmarjadi, Tuesday (27/10/2020). 

He emphasized that if has been given a warning but there is still a hospital that charges a swab of more than Rp. 900 thousand, then his party will report it to the Extortion Eradication team. 

In fact, he often reminded all hospitals in Batam not to charge independent swab fees above Rp 900 thousand.

The rate, said Didi, has been regulated based on a Circular Letter of the Ministry of Health Number HK.02.02 / I / 3713/2020 concerning the highest limit of inspection rates. 

He emphasized that in the circular letter, the highest tariff limit for RT-PCR examinations, including taking Swab, had been regulated, which was Rp. 900 thousand.

The highest tariff limit, as referred to, applies to people conducting RT-PCR examinations at their own request / independent. 

He added, the highest limit as intended didn't apply to contact tracing activities or referral of Covid-19 cases to hospitals whose implementation received PCR examination assistance from the government, or were part of the guarantor of positive Covid-19 financing. 

Meanwhile, the ad-interim Governor of Riau Islands (Kepri), Bahtiar Baharuddin asked the Batam Health Department to step in directly to supervise the hospital that was charging swab test fees above Rp. 900 thousand. 

Baca juga: Airport Tax Removed, Passengers at Hang Nadim International Airport begin to Increase

Baca juga: 10 Private Employees in Batam Exposed to Covid-19, Total Employee Clusters Reach 1.265

"If there is a hospital that charges a Swab test fee above 900 thousand, there will be a penalty. Just report it to the Batam City Health Department," said Bahtiar when he was in matchmaking, Batam, Tuesday (26/10/2020) .

He emphasized that the Head of the Batam City Health Department must intervene directly in following up on this matter.

In addition, the Health Department must also remind them not to charge more than what has been determined. 

Bahtiar added, the Health Department must always disseminate information to all hospitals.