PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government ensures that Emergency Room (IGD) services at a number of health facilities continue to operate optimally amidst the increasing number of visits from residents complaining of fever, cough, runny nose, and influenza symptoms.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said that the increase in emergency room activity was a concern for the Bandung City Government, but the public did not need to panic about this situation.

"Basically, we don't underestimate the fact that the emergency room is currently quite crowded with patients complaining of high fevers and having several typical influenza symptoms, namely coughs and runny noses," said Farhan, Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

According to him, the Bandung City Government ensures that all health facilities continue to provide services to the public by implementing the principle of not refusing patients.

"Ensuring all healthcare facilities provide the best possible service. The principle of never turning away a patient must apply to all healthcare facilities," he said.

Farhan explained that the Bandung City Government is monitoring the development of influenza through the Padasuka Community Health Center, which is one of the sentinel facilities for monitoring diseases with influenza-like symptoms or influenza-like illness (ILI).

Patient test samples were sent to the Ministry of Health for further research, including determining the type or strain of the virus circulating.

Farhan asked the public to implement simple preventive measures, especially when using public transportation such as buses, trains, and planes.

"Schoolchildren who show flu symptoms should stay home. We will allow this and understand," he said.

He also appealed to children who remain in school to wear masks as a measure to prevent transmission.

However, Farhan asked the public not to buy masks excessively.

"There's no need to panic buy masks," he said.

Regarding the increase in emergency room visits, including at Bandung Kiwari Regional Hospital, Farhan said this condition was also related to increased public awareness.

According to him, residents who previously chose to treat mild flu symptoms at home are now more quickly going to health facilities because they are worried about the developing condition.

"Yesterday, I had a slight flu, a slight fever, and I just took some medicine at home. Now, because I'm on alert, I went straight to the emergency room," he said.

Farhan said the public's increased vigilance was commendable, while the government ensured that health facilities and medical personnel remained ready to handle the increase in visits.

"For us, this demonstrates the community's high level of anticipatory capacity. We are certainly grateful for this, but at the same time, the capacity, facilities, and capabilities of healthcare workers and facilities in Bandung City are ready to serve," he said.

Regarding patients who arrive when the emergency room is full, Farhan said that treatment is adjusted to each patient's condition.

"If someone can be asked to wait and is willing to wait in line, they're allowed to go home if their condition is expected to improve. It really depends on the situation; I can't provide a general policy," he said.

Farhan ensured that all emergency room services in Bandung City remain on standby 24 hours a day, drawing on their experience in handling Covid-19.

"The emergency rooms throughout Bandung City are on standby 24/7. Learning from our experience in handling COVID-19, we've carefully considered all the facilities, from antiviral medications to oxygen, and the safety of healthcare workers," he said.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)