W. Nusa Tenggara last in health

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Governor Harun Al Rasyid ranked on Monday his territory as the unhealthiest of the country's 27 provinces.

"The high mortality rate and the low life expectancy are more than enough evidence that West Nusa Tenggara is the province with the worst level of health," Harun told Antara.

He said the average life expectancy for people in the province was 57, compared to the national figure of between 65 and 70.

These figures came as a surprise, he said, mainly because the province had adequate natural resources and enough medical workers.

"There is at least one hospital in each regency, one community health center in each district and complementary health centers in each subdistrict, not to mention hundreds of neighborhood health posts," he said.

He added the provincial administration was operating the hospitals and health centers at their maximum capacities in order to improve the level of the province's health. (amd)