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Halodoc allows users to book COVID-19 tests
The company provides both rapid tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, also known as swab tests.
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A user opens the Halodoc healthcare application on a phone. (JP/Narabeto Korohama)
H
ealthcare platform Halodoc is collaborating with more than 20 hospitals in Greater Jakarta and Karawang, West Java, to allow the public to book COVID-19 testing through its mobile application starting on Monday.
Users can choose "Test COVID-19" from the menu of the Halodoc app and pick the package they want and the location of the hospital to schedule an appointment. They will be asked to upload their identity card prior to making a payment. Users will then receive a booking receipt by SMS and a notification on their app to be used when they register at the selected hospital.
The company provides both rapid tests, which use blood samples, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, also known as swab tests, which are conducted by swabbing the patient's nose and throat.
“If the results from both the rapid and PCR tests are positive, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s symptoms to determine the next steps,” said Irwan Heriyanto, Halodoc's chief of medicine, in a statement. "If the rapid test result is negative but the patient has travel history to countries affected by COVID-19 or contact history with an infected person, they are recommended to undergo another rapid test seven to 10 days later."
The use of telemedicine is increasing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Halodoc has been introducing new features and initiatives to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. In early April it collaborated with ride-hailing app Gojek to offer free drive-through rapid COVID-19 testing to some Jakartans. (wir/kes)
