Commercialization of fumigation angers governor

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)