Sampang refugees face health crisis

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.