Policemen have venereal disease

City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto is astounded by medical data which reveals that a number of his personnel are suffering from venereal disease.

"This is a serious problem and please take notice of this kind of disease," he said in his speech welcoming the new head of the medical and health affairs unit at City Police Headquarters in a ceremony at his office here yesterday.

Hindarto, however, gave no details about the number of city police personnel who have been infected by the disease, which is contracted through sexual intercourse, and includes gonorrhea and syphilis.

"If we fail to fight this dangerous disease, it will affect our duty as it will reduce the effectiveness of our personnel," he cautioned.

The new head of the medical and health affairs unit, Lt. Col. Pamudji Santoso, who replaced Col. Didin Roesyamsi, said he was "ready" to help fight the disease. (bsr)