Thousands receive free health aid

TANGERANG (JP): More than 5,000 needy residents of the northern coastal area of Tangerang received two days of free medical treatment, sponsored by a Buddhist foundation during the weekend.

The Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, in cooperation with the Indonesian Air Force, Sinar Mas Group, and Kencana Serang Army Hospital, provided around 140 doctors, 20 of whom were from Singapore and Taiwan.

Hundreds of paramedics were also deployed to offer the residents light operations and other medical services; such as dental work, treatment of common diseases and the establishment of family planning programs.

The Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation has also sent six of their doctors to help victims of the Bengkulu earthquake in Sumatera.

The Rp 300 million event was supported by various donors, mostly members of Buddhist community, the organizing chairman Indra Sutanto said.

"We really hope the event will help ease people's burden in this time of crisis," he added. (41/edt)