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)