Health posts need Rp 400b

DENPASAR: The National Family Planning Board has asked the government for the Rp 400 billion (US$41.23 million) it requires to revitalize some 200,000 health posts (Posyandu) across the country.

Board head Sumaryati Aryoso said the reactivation of the health posts was urgent as most of them had been dormant since the economic crisis hit the country in 1997.

The health posts, she said, would play an important role in providing medical support for women, particularly pregnant women, and children.

Sumaryati said that much of the funds would be used to provide free contraceptives for poor people as well as food supplements for malnourished children. -- Antara