Sampang refugees face health crisis

SAMPANG, Madura: The health agency at Sampang regency has established a crisis center to focus attention on the increasing numbers of deaths of refugees stranded on the islands.

According to official data some 86 refugees have died, including 22 babies and seven children, since the refugees arrived in Madura to escape the violence in Central Kalimantan.

The deaths were primarily related to diarrhea, respiratory problems, and malnutrition.

Antara reported that some 71,400 refugees have been sheltered in Madura since the violence in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, erupted in February.

Head of the health agency, Firmansyah Pria Abadi, said here on Saturday that the main problem was the lack of proper facilities, medicines and doctors to help the refugees.

He pointed out that there were only 20 doctors and 74 paramedics assigned to take care of the refugees.

"Up to now we're primarily dependent on medical assistance and supplies sent by the central government. What's available at the Sampang Health Agency is not sufficient," he said adding that the distribution of the refugees spread across 130 villages also made it difficult.