Government targets renovation of 8,000 tuberculosis patients' homes

Padang (ANTARA) - The central government, through relevant ministries, targets the renovation of 8,000 homes belonging to tuberculosis patients who are part of underprivileged communities. “TB patients from unable families, especially deciles 1 to 4, will be assisted with home renovations,” said Deputy Minister of Health Benjamin Paulus Octavianus in Padang on Tuesday. He stated that the assistance is provided through cross-sectoral cooperation with relevant ministries, namely the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements. To date, the Ministry of Health has compiled data on 5,700 homes of TB patients that will be renovated, with these units spread across various regions in Indonesia. “So, there are still 2,300 more homes whose data we will submit to the relevant ministries,” he said. “We request from West Sumatra at least 200 to 300 data points so that in July, we can see the homes that will be assisted,” he added. The Ministry of Health will continue to strive for cross-sectoral cooperation in helping TB patients who face economic difficulties, including through the Coordinating Ministry for Food with subsidies for affordable rice and the Ministry of Social Affairs for monthly cash assistance of Rp200,000. The estimated TB disease burden in West Sumatra in 2025 is projected at 25,037 cases. However, the case detection achievement is still at 62 percent, namely 15,523 people.