"The availability of these tools, especially at the community health center (puskesmas), is very important to reduce stunting prevalence," Effendy noted in a written statement received here, Thursday.
The minister urged local governments that require additional ultrasound and anthropometric devices to immediately submit the request to the Health Ministry to be followed up.
"Local governments can request the provision of these tools to the Ministry of Health if they need it," he remarked.
Effendy also spoke of having recently visited the health facilities at Mopah puskesmas in Merauke District, South Papua Province.
With the visit, the minister is keen to ensure the availability of ultrasound and anthropometric equipment in the local area.
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Effendy explained that ultrasound is important for monitoring fetal development during pregnancy, while anthropometric tools are useful in increasing the accuracy of the results of measuring the growth of toddlers for early detection of stunting.
"The government, through the Ministry of Health, continues to meet the needs for anthropometric devices at integrated health post (posyandu) as well as ultrasound devices at puskesmas, considering that these two tools are part of the supporting facilities and infrastructure to support efforts to accelerate stunting reduction," the minister remarked.
Based on information from the minister, the Mopah puskesmas is one of the 18 prototype health centers in Merauke District.
The Mopah puskesmas has 64 medical personnel, including four general practitioners, three dentists, and several nurses, he stated.
Mopah puskesmas provides several services, such as nutrition health services, environmental health, maternal and child health, family planning (KB), and basic medicine, he noted.
Effendy emphasized that the development of health facilities is a joint concern of the central and regional governments, including in Merauke District.
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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Resinta S
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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