TB sufferers lack access to drugs

TB sufferers lack access to drugs

Multa Fidrus, Tangerang

At least 19 tuberculosis (TB) patients in Bayur village, Periuk
district, said they had not received proper medical treatment
because they couldn't afford to travel to the public health
center in the district.

The patients called for the Tangerang municipality
administration to build a subdistrict-level public health center
near their village.

"Our village is very isolated. The only transportation
available are ojek (motorcycle taxis). But we have to spend Rp
10,000 (US$1.1) for each trip," Asmah, 42, who has suffered TB
for six years, told The Jakarta Post recently.

Due to the high cost of transportation, Asmah has not
participated in the intensive treatment program that requires her
to go to the health center twice a week and take medicine for a
six-month period.

Another TB patient, Muhyi, 45, said health workers recognized
their plight and frequently visited TB patients at home. "They
understand that we can't afford to go to the health center."

Muhyi said health workers often brought patients boiled eggs
for extra protein and gave them glass roof tiles to ensure their
houses got enough sunlight. The Post observed many houses in the
village were dark and had poor air circulation.

District secretary Mulyanto said since the Bayur village was
located on the borders of the Tangerang regency and the Tangerang
municipality, either administration could have provided an
ambulance to transport TB patients to the health center twice a
week.

He praised health workers' efforts to visit the patients for
checkups and bring vitamins to them.