City's poor residents want more free medical examinations
City's poor residents want more free medical examinations
While straightening his black cap, Sainan, 62, told the people
around him -- all of whom were waiting to be examined by doctors
and get free contraceptives -- that he was dizzy and not feeling
well.
"Of course, I'm happy to have free access to health services.
I'm old, I don't work and have little money, while the cost of
medicine is high," he said.
Sainan was one of about 500 poor residents waiting for free
medical examinations offered by the Independent Women's Union
(SPM) in coordination with the Jakarta Residents City Forum
(FMKJ) and women's organization Tirai Mawar in Rawa Teratai
district, Pulogadung, East Jakarta, on Saturday.
"I'm glad that I can at least save some money on my flu
medicine," Sainan said.
At least 50 volunteers, including four doctors, were involved
in the drive organized in conjunction with Kartini Day, which
fell on April 21.
According to SPM chairwoman Tuti, residents from other
districts such as Jatinegara also turned up for free health care.
"The majority of residents in this area belong to the middle-
lower class. Being an industrial area, air pollution and factory
waste sites contribute to residents' poor health," said Tuti.
By 9 a.m., around 200 people had arrived and registered for
the free service, which was scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.
Most mothers came with babies and children.
Desy, a volunteer doctor, supported the drive as it provided a
healthy environment and community.
"The demand is overwhelming. We budgeted for around 100
patients, but 200 usually come to this kind of drive so we
prepared extra contraceptives for women," said Eko Agus Sumeryo,
a staff member of the National Family Planning Board.
"This kind of drive is very good because many people in the
low-income bracket have difficulty buying contraceptives,
especially IUDs," he said.
He said his agency considered IUDs and implants the most
effective contraceptives recommended by the Ministry of Health
due their ability to prevent pregnancy for a longer period than
injections, which work for three months, and the pill, which must
be taken daily.
"We have a large demand for both because they are pretty
costly to get from general practitioners and clinics," he said.
Contraceptive implants cost Rp 400,000 to Rp 600,000 but are
effective for up to three years. IUDs, on the other hand, cost
around Rp 50,000 each and most need to be changed every year.
"This kind of drive is very helpful for those of us who do not
earn a lot of money. I hope there will be more drives that
continue for at least three months. Imagine the amount of money
we could save," said Sumarni, 32, a resident of Rawa Teratai
district. (005)