TEMPO.CO, Jayapura-The provincial government of Papua has earmarked an autonomy fund of about Rp13.5 billion for the health care of its residents. The fund will be used to, among others, rent four aircraft to fly patients from remote areas to health facilities in bigger cities.
Dr. Silvanus Sumule, secretary of Papua's Health Department, said in Jayapura, Wednesday, October 7, that in 2015 the Province has issued a governor's regulation on social assistances for patients registered in the Papua Health Card program (PPP).
The regulation allows the provincial government to collaborate with several religious-group airlines: the Associated Mission Aviation (AMA), the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), Yajazi, and Heli Mission.
"Total fund allocated to finance the four religious airlines is around Rp3.5 billion, prepared in 2015," he said.
The collaboration allows Papuans to receive flight services when they need to get treatment at referred hospitals in Papua or national hospitals in other areas.
"With this service, we aim to reduce mortality for infants, toddlers, and mothers," he said.
Silvanus added that the service is also expected to help solve the number of health and medical problems in Papua caused by geographical constraints.
ANTARA | RR
