Poor get medical treatment for free in a rare show of solidarity

P.J. Leo, The Jakarta Post, Mendut, Central Java

People from all walks of life crowded Candi Mendut temple with various expressions on their faces.

Beginning in the early morning, they had arrived at the temple to wait their turn for free medication from doctors who were providing the three-day service.

Even those who could not afford medication showed up, having their eyes, teeth, tumors and even family planning problems treated.

Around 500 doctors and paramedics who were mostly from Jakarta took part in the service, which was co-organized by the Council of Buddhist Communities (Walubi) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) in conjunction with Waisak (Buddha's Day of Enlightenment) on May 26.

During the three-day service, the doctors, who were mostly those practicing in public hospitals or those with the Armed Forces and the National Police, treated over 15,000 patients.

Without the free service, some poor people -- children, adults and even the elderly, might still have had the same problems because they simply could not afford the treatment.

Patients who were given surgery will continue receiving post- surgery treatment for the coming weeks.