To Address Air Pollution-Related Respiratory Illnesses, the Ministry of Health Prepares 740 Healthcare Facilities in the Jabodetabek Area

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has prepared 740 healthcare facilities spread across Jabodetabek to handle individuals affected by Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) due to poor air quality.

These facilities comprise 674 community health centers (puskesmas), 66 hospitals, and the Persahabatan Hospital, serving as the National Respiratory Center.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated, "We've instructed professional organizations and the respiratory specialist college to train community health center doctors to understand lung diseases, as URTIs can be managed at these centers, provided they have the necessary equipment."

Pneumonia cases, the Minister added, require hospital treatment due to the need for X-rays. However, he assured that pneumonia treatment is available in all hospitals across Jabodetabek.

The 674 community health centers in Jabodetabek prepared for handling pollution-affected individuals are distributed as follows:

* DKI Jakarta: 333 puskesmas
* Tangerang Regency: 44 puskesmas
* Tangerang City: 39 puskesmas
* Depok City: 38 puskesmas
* Bogor City: 25 puskesmas
* Bogor Regency: 101 puskesmas
* Bekasi City: 48 puskesmas
* Bekasi Regency: 46 puskesmas

In addition to preparing healthcare facilities, Kemenkes is actively providing education on URTIs and advising the public to wear masks when outdoors.

Minister Budi explained, "We recommend masks that filter PM2.5 (the general standard for air pollution quality), as these are the smallest particles. KF94 or KN95 masks are suitable for outdoor use, while air purifiers are recommended for indoor spaces to remove outdoor dust."

(See also: URTIs in DKI Jakarta Reach 638,000 Cases in the First Half of 2023)