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.