JP/4/PMI

JP/4/PMI

PMI to build permanent health posts in Aceh

The Jakarta Post Jakarta

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) will build permanent health posts in tsunami-ravaged Aceh as part of its long-term humanitarian aid commitment in the province, said PMI chairman Mar'ie Muhammad.

Mar'ie said that the permanent health posts were needed as many public health centers (known by their local acronym Puskesmas) were destroyed by the tidal wave on Dec. 26.

"Many people need medical attention and treatment. For example, those on the west coast, such as in Calang, cannot go to Meulaboh. Therefore, we will built a health post there," Mar'ie, a former minister of finance, said recently.

"We will also help ordinary people not directly affected by the tsunami by filling in until the government rebuild the destroyed health centers," he added.

The health posts would be set up near the government-sponsored barracks that will temporarily house the some 400,000 people who have been left homeless by the tsunami.

Mar'ie did not provide details.

Elsewhere, Mar'ie said that although the government had declared that the emergency in Aceh was nearly over and that it would now focus on rehabilitation and reconstruction work, the PMI would continue its relief operations in tsunami devastated areas.

"Humanitarian aid is not only important during the emergency but also during rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery. It supports our aim of rebuilding society and families in a holistic way," he said.

He added that the PMI's humanitarian aid concept would not interfere with government policy nor compete or take over the government's role in ensuring recovery in the worst hit areas, describing the PMI's role as an auxiliary function.

"For example, if the government builds temporary barracks, we will help them with the distribution of food and water. If we see that sanitation is poor, we will assist the government instead of blaming it. Maybe we will make suggestions on how to improve sanitation or help them with providing water," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Services said on Friday it was working with Unicef and Muhammadiyah to build about 20 child care centers that would be able to house up to 100 children each.

The ministry's director general for services and social rehabilitation, Pudji Hastuti, said in Banda Aceh the centers would help children overcome the trauma they suffered in the tsunami. (005)