Soeharto stresses need for health services improvement
Soeharto stresses need for health services improvement
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has underlined the importance
of improving medical services in a bid to anticipate the rising
number of challenges in the country's health programs.
"The increase in the population mobility and the change of
disease patterns have forced us to pay more attention to such
services," the President said in his speech at the inauguration
of the Jakarta Haj hospital in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, on
Saturday.
"We have made great achievements in the development of the
health sector, but we are also aware there is still a lot to do,"
the President said. The President was accompanied to the ceremony
by First Lady Tien Soeharto and Vice President Try Sutrisno.
The Jakarta Haj Hospital was built at a cost of Rp 23.4
billion (US$10.6 million) to commemorate the deaths of 649
pilgrims in the Mina tragedy in Saudi Arabia in 1990.
Three other haj hospitals are built in Medan, North Sumatra,
at a cost of Rp 9.5 billion, in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi at
Rp 6.2 billion and in Surabaya, East Java, at Rp 15.4 billion.
Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said the Saudi
Arabian government, Garuda Indonesia airlines, Bimantara
Foundation and state-owned banks as well as provincial
administrations donated funds for the construction of the
hospitals.
The President said these hospitals were built because many
people performing their haj pilgrimage do not pay much attention
to their physical conditions.
"They don't worry about their physical condition even though
good health is vital for these journeys," he said, urging haj
pilgrims to make the optimum use of the facilities.
At the inauguration ceremony, the President also officially
launched a nation-wide health card program and Friday Cleanup
Program in conjunction with the commemoration of National Health
Day.
Health cards
President Soeharto said there are still many Indonesians who
live under the poverty line, who cannot afford medical care. When
provided with the health cards, they can receive free medical
treatment from nearby community health centers and hospitals.
Under the program, the card holders, and members of their
families, are entitled to free medical services and medicine from
any community health centers, government-owned hospitals and
certain private-owned hospitals.
Minister of Health Sujudi said his ministry has printed six
million cards to be distributed in cities throughout the country.
The ministry has tested the program in all provinces in
Indonesia except East Timor. Each province selected two regencies
or mayoralties for the program.
The launching of the Friday Cleanup Program is intended mainly
to promote a healthier, hygienic environment.
"The program is also aimed at implementing clean and healthy
lifestyles in line with religious and cultural values, through
the cleaning up of backyards and neighborhoods," Sujudi said.
The program was initiated by the Indonesian Ulemas Council and
the President suggested it could be implemented according to
local values and customs in areas where Islam is not the major
religion.
Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said the Jakarta Haj Hospital is
the 99th hospital ready to provide Jakartans with health care
services.
Other guests at the inauguration ceremony included House of
Representatives (DPR) Speaker Wahono, Coordinating Minister for
People's Welfare Azwar Anas, Minister of Social Services Endang
Kusuma Inten Suweno, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
Hayono Isman and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar.
(22/yns)