Vice President emphasises hospital readiness for citizens affected by forest fires
Banjarbaru (ANTARA) - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has emphasised the importance of hospital readiness in providing healthcare services for citizens affected by forest and land fires (karhutla), particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Amidst the handling of forest fires, maintaining the safety and health of citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, is a vital part of the process,” said Gibran during a visit to the Idaman Regional Hospital in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, on Thursday.
The Vice President ensured the readiness of health facilities and services in the region so that those affected by forest fires can receive rapid and appropriate treatment, especially when medical services are required due to environmental conditions impacted by smoke.
“Hospitals must be prepared, especially for children and vulnerable groups. Medicines, oxygen, beds, healthcare personnel, and referral systems must be ensured to be available when needed,” he said.
The Vice President also expressed his appreciation to doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who continue to provide services to the community during the forest fire conditions, as the continuity of healthcare services is a crucial component in protecting citizens alongside fire suppression efforts.
“My thanks to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who continue to serve the community during the forest fire conditions,” Gembira said.
During the visit, the Vice President also spoke with patients and their families to assess the quality of service received, including a family bringing a child suffering from coughs and colds after exposure to smoke from the fires.
Siti Fatimah, a mother who brought her child for treatment, stated that the services at RSD Idaman Banjarbaru are already good and that the hospital serves as a primary location for her family to receive healthcare when children experience health issues.
Meanwhile, Puji Lestari, a pregnant woman, admitted that she limits her outdoor activities when smoke conditions are thick and routinely consumes vitamins and calcium from the local community health centre (puskesmas) as part of her efforts to maintain health during the forest fires.
“So I do not go anywhere; I just take vitamins from the puskesmas. I have routine pregnancy check-ups and take calcium from the puskesmas as well,” she said.