New clinic for venereal diseases

JAKARTA (JP): About 250 people, who have venereal diseases, were treated en mass at a recently opened clinic in the Kramat Jaya district of North Jakarta yesterday.

The clinic, which was founded by the Peduli AIDS Institute and Karya Bakti Foundation, also tested patients' blood for HIV.

Dr. Subagyo Partodihardjo from the foundation was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday that the clinic was scheduled to open 24 hours.

"But for the time being it will only be open for limited hours. Later it will be open around-the-clock to serve everyone, especially sex workers."

He said the clinic was established to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

The clinic provides people with venereal diseases access to treatment and information, which could keep them avoid contracting more serious diseases like AIDS.

"People who have unprotected sex are more likely to contract HIV. That's why they should be informed about related matters, including sexual behavior and reproduction."

Subagyo said that about 599 people in Indonesia were reportedly HIV positive. Most of them reside in Jakarta, Bali and Irian Jaya.

The clinic also offered extensive education and medical treatment, especially for sex workers, he said.

People's awareness about the dangers of HIV was quite high, he said.

"People here care about helping people and preventing the spread of HIV. Many people come and make use of the services offered by our clinic," he said.

He said the foundation had set up similar clinics in 13 traditional markets throughout Greater Jakarta, including the Senen market in Central Jakarta and the Jatinegara market in East Jakarta. (cst)