Diseases plague coastal residents

TANGERANG (JP): Health officials have reported a high incidence of skin diseases and respiratory infections in northern coastal villages here caused by unhealthy living conditions.

Bachtiar Oesman, head of the Tangerang health office, said Sunday that of the 30,200 people in 19 districts that received free medical treatment last week, 28.5 percent of them have skin diseases and 21.4 percent respiratory infections.

Other common health problems in the area are gastric diseases, tuberculosis and leprosy, he told Antara.

The areas targeted for the free health service include Kosambi, Pakuhaji, Mauk, Kronjo, Kresek, Sepatan and Teluknaga where most houses do not meet basic health standards, such as not being properly ventilated and having dirt floors.

"In addition, the lack of clean water is an acute problem," Bachtiar said.

The mayoralty provides free health services to poor districts once a year. (pan)