AIDS

AIDS

From Kompas

Kompas (July 27, 1994) published a news article about AIDS
cases in Indonesia. The article relates about the plan to change
the Koja General Hospital in North Jakarta into an AIDS (Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Hospital, the first of its kind in
Indonesia, and at the same utilize it as a research center for
AIDS.

This initiative deserves our praise. The number of AIDS/HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive patients is recorded as
262 people. It is small when compared to the size of the
Indonesian population. But it is quite probable that AIDS
patients will increase rapidly within a short time. In other
countries there are cases where transfer of the disease occurred
through indirect contact. People who have medical treatment from
doctors that previously treated AIDS patients, for example, can
possibly be infected by the disease.

In this relation, I would like to suggest to IDI (Indonesian
Medical Association) to introduce a regulation which requires all
medical staff to use protective equipment when treating AIDS
patients such as rubber gloves and surgical masks.

Also it is important to use disposable equipment. This
practice may inflict a higher cost, but it will be much more
expensive to treat people affected by the disease. Whichever
method used is for the benefit and safety of both the patients
and medical staff alike.

HANSYE S DULIMARTA

Bandung, West Java