Geriatric hospital to be established<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Karya Bhakti foundation is scheduled to
\nstart constructing the country's first hospital for senior
\ncitizens on Jatiluhur area in Purwakarta, West Java, with a
\ntotal investment of Rp 600 billion (US274.22 million) next year.<\/p>\n
Chairman of the foundation Subagyo Partodiardjo told reporters
\nyesterday that the geriatric hospital is badly needed now in light
\nof the fact that by the year 2005, Indonesia will have the fourth
\nlargest population of senior citizens after the People's Republic of
\nChina, the U.S and Russia.<\/p>\n
The number of people over 65 years old in Indonesia has grown from
\nnearly three million in 1971 to 4.79 million in 1980 and 6.96
\nmillion in 1990. The number is expected to reach 19 million by the
\nyear 2000, he said.<\/p>\n
"Due to successful family planning programs, the number of senior
\ncitizens will be greater than those under 65 years of age," said
\nSubagyo, who is also a member of the City Council.<\/p>\n
He explained that the hospital project aims to help the government
\ndeal with growing number of elderly people with health problems
\ncaused mostly by degenerative illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and
\nhigh blood pressure.<\/p>\n
Subagyo said that the hospital will be located in Jatiluhur area,
\nwhich has beautiful scenery with lakes, forests and perfect weather
\nconditions for elderly people.<\/p>\n
"The foundation chose Jatiluhur as the location because it lies
\n500 meters above the sea line and has cool weather," he said.<\/p>\n
Subagyo explained that the construction of the hospital will be
\ndivided into three phases. The first phase will be started in
\nNovember next year with an investment of Rp 150 billion and a
\nplanned capacity of 200 beds.<\/p>\n
"The second phase will cost Rp 300 billion while Rp 150 billion is
\nreserved for the third and last stage. In total there will be 500
\nbeds in the hospital," he said.<\/p>\n
Subagyo expected that the hospital, modeled after a similar
\nhospital in Rumania, would be operational by November 1996.<\/p>\n
He explained that the hospital will meet international standards
\nsince it will treat both local and foreign patients, such as
\ntourists.<\/p>\n
"This is important because the hospital will be open to everyone.
\nBut we have to do a cross-subsidy system in which the rich can help
\nin providing financing for the low income patients," he said.<\/p>\n
There will be new equipment to treat various diseases and also a
\nfacility called "oxygenated therapy" which is designed to help the
\npatient feel healthy.<\/p>\n
Subagyo said that the Karya Bhakti Geriatric hospital will be the
\ncenter of geriatric care in the future and will assist general
\nhospitals all over Indonesia which intend to establish similar
\nunits. (yns)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/geriatric-hospital-to-be-established-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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