Tuberculosis on Seribu Islands

Tuberculosis on Seribu Islands

JAKARTA (JP): A preliminary survey has revealed that many
residents in the Seribu islands may suffer from tuberculosis due
to poor sanitation and nutrition, both of which are exacerbated
by smoking.

Head of Karya Bhakti, a health foundation under the ruling
party Golkar, Subagyo Partodiardjo told reporters yesterday that
75 of 100 Panggang island residents who were examined have the
disease.

He added that there is a strong possibility that all 3,588
that make up the islands' population may be carrying the disease.

Subagyo urged the city administration to provide the island
with portable X-ray machines and a small laboratory and generator
set help detect the disease before it spreads further.

Subagyo said that the survey, held in cooperation with the
city administration and the Persahabatan hospital, was part of
their program to help the island people obtain free medical
treatment. (yns)