Commercialization of fumigation angers governor

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso was infuriated yesterday over reports that city-sponsored mosquito fumigation had been commercialized in some districts, jeopardizing the entire program.

The governor said fumigation was free and he threatened to take punitive action against health officials and workers from private firms who asked for money.

The commercialization sparked fears that the fumigation program -- aimed at curbing dengue fever in the capital -- would end in failure because many residents refused to participate either because they did not have the money or knew that it was a free service.

"I will order my staff to crack down on health workers who go door to door offering fumigation for money."

The program is part of the city's massive campaign to contain the dengue fever outbreak, which has claimed at least 43 lives over the past four month.

Sutiyoso said the private sector might be involved in the campaign but all costs would be shouldered by the administration.

In some places, health workers in charge of fumigation have reportedly asked residents for between Rp 25,000 and Rp 30,000.

Nani, a resident of Kresek Indah housing complex in Duri Kosambi subdistrict, West Jakarta, said somebody knocked on her door Wednesday and asked Rp 25,000 for the service.

"I refused the offer right away because I doubt the quality of the chemicals," she said. "Besides, I heard the service is free."

She said she knew many of her neighbors also refused the offer.

An employee of the Jakarta School of Theology in Menteng, Central Jakarta, said two officials from a local public health center asked for Rp 30,000 to fumigate the school.

There were similar incidents in Pejaten Timur subdistrict, South Jakarta, where each house was asked to pay Rp 500 for fumigation.

Sutiyoso said he was waiting for complete reports on the service's commercialization before taking any punitive action.

Data from the City Health Agency revealed that the dengue fever outbreak this year had claimed 43 lives as of yesterday and another 4,148 have been hospitalized. Antara reported that in Bogor, dengue fever had killed at least 13 people over the same period.

Commenting on reports that some hospitals could not accommodate all dengue fever patients and were turning sufferers away, Sutiyoso said it was unacceptable for hospitals to refuse patients.

"Any facilities should be used, (hospitals) can erect tents if need be. All patients should be given first aid."

Spokeswoman for the City Health Office Maryani said officials had been told they were prohibited from asking for money for fumigation.

However, she admitted, it was possible some individuals had engaged in the practice.

She said the city administration cooperated with several private companies, which have assigned 100 workers to the field.

"They are under our supervision, including control of the quality of insecticide they use."

Maryani said employees of participating private companies wore uniforms bearing the administration's logo.

"We would appreciate it if people reported the illegal (requests for) payment to us."

Antara reported that the dean of the Tarumanegara School of Medicine, Samsi Jacobalis, urged the city administration to subsidize hospitals' procurement of intravenous fluid.

Jacobalis said medicines were getting more expensive and a patient might need between 10 and 30 bottles of intravenous fluid during a single treatment. (ind)