Free medication for sanitary workers

BOGOR (JP): Hari Harsono, the head of the sanitary agency here, said his office is offering free medication to over 600 employees of the office and their families.

"We're providing a special health post for our workers and the services are free," Hari said, while stating the program was part of an effort to raise the workers' welfare.

The sanitary workers are underpaid; they only receive Rp 60,000 to Rp 90,000 per month.

Hari said many of the workers have caught diseases and suffered injuries related to their job such as severe respiratory problems, digestive problems and back pain.

"Their earnings are very small while their danger levels are very high, as they are in direct contact with dirt and garbage," he said. (24/edt)