Rp 2 billion allocated for flood victims

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In anticipation of possible flooding next month, the city administration has set aside Rp 2 billion to help flood victims who suffer from health problems during this rainy season, City Health Agency head Abdul Chalik Masulili said on Monday.

He said free health services would be available for all flood victims -- both those suffering from minor illnesses and those who require hospitalization for serious health problems.

"We will cooperate with all 101 hospitals in the city to provide free health services for flood victims," Chalik said while accompanying Vice Governor Fauzi Bowo during a flood alert campaign in Papanggo subdistrict, North Jakarta.

Chalik said all hospitals in the city, either private, state- owned or city-owned, would be required to admit flood victims without asking for payment as all hospital fees would be paid by the city administration.

The hospitals can submit the bills to the City Health Agency for reimbursement.

Chalik said the money for the health program would come from the 2003 city budget. The total budget for his agency is expected to reach some Rp 19 billion next year.

Chalik also said health services would be provided at 324 community health centers across the city.

During the last rainy season, the city also offered similar services from January to March.

Last January and February, at least 15 people died of flood- related ailments like diarrhea, dengue fever, leptospirosis and upper respiratory inspections.

Chalik called on residents to be alert for outbreaks of flood- related ailments, stressing that victims should immediately seek out medical treatment.