Free medical treatment for dengue victims

INDRAMAYU, West Java: The Indramayu administration in West Java has offered free medical treatment in its attempt to fight the outbreak of dengue fever in the regency.

Indramayu regent Irianto MS Syafiuddin said that this was an emergency step.

"The medical expenses of patients will be covered by the regency's 2004 budget," he said.

The local health office has also ordered all public health centers in the regency to provide free treatment for dengue fever victims.

Indramayu is one of the most severely hit areas in West Java. According to data from the local administration, the epidemic has claimed eight lives, while 230 are still being treated in public health centers and the Sunan Gunung Jati General Hospital in Cirebon. --JP