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)