JAKARTA - In order to help the government expand the rapid COVID-19 screening test, Halodoc continues to strive to expand access to the COVID-19 test independently, most recently by introducing the Antigen Swab Test service since early October. This step was taken after the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation for the use of two antigen rapid test products using the swab method on October 2, 2020.
Available in Jakarta and Surabaya, this type of test is performed by taking a sample of the nasopharyngeal fluid with a swab technique to detect the presence of certain viral antigens with fast diagnostic results. In Indonesia, Halodoc is the first healthtech platform to facilitate an Antigen Swab Test that can be accessed through a drive thru service or making appointments at partner health facilities.
Halodoc's Chief Business Officer and Cofounder, Doddy Lukito, said that the COVID-19 pandemic presents its own challenges for Halodoc in simplifying access to health services in the country. "Access for the public to get an accurate test that is faster and more affordable is one strategy to accelerate the handling of COVID-19 in Indonesia. This is what underlies Halodoc to continue expanding its COVID-19 test services, in this case the Antigen Swab Test, and forging partnerships with various industry players who provide access to this latest test service. Focusing on contributing to overcoming COVID-19, we are working to make Indonesia healthier again by providing faster access to tests recommended by related health institutions."
Antigen Swab tests at Halodoc drive thru facilities are available starting from Rp 299,000. Using Panbio products from Abbott, this rapid antigen test has a sensitivity level of 91.4% & a specificity of 99.8% (specifically for the COVID-19 virus) with results that can be obtained in just 60 minutes.
Apart from providing access to the Antigen Swab Test, Halodoc will also continue to expand access to the COVID-19 test, including the Rapid Test and PCR Test, which have been implemented since the beginning of the pandemic. Not only presenting a complete variety of test types, Halodoc also provides various methods for accessing the COVID-19 test, from drive thru to home calls and corporate packages. Until September 2020, more than 300,000 COVID-19 tests have been facilitated by Halodoc with more than 500 clinic and hospital partners in 100 cities and districts in Indonesia. (LM)