"In Indonesia, three out of 100 children and 20 out of 100 adults are people with disabilities. Our current problem is a limited number of therapists for them, which are not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia,"Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Health Ministry is preparing a road map for disability-inclusive health services to provide equality in Indonesia, Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated.
"In handling disability problems, the ministry has developed a strategy in the form of a road map for disability-inclusive health services and service programs for children with special needs," he stated in a discussion on the International Disability Day commemoration in Jakarta on Friday.
The road map for disability-inclusive health services aims to conduct interventions to optimize potential development of children with special needs, he noted.
In addition, the road map helps to increase the number and quality of medical personnel to serve patients with special needs and build disability-friendly health facilities.
"In Indonesia, three out of 100 children and 20 out of 100 adults are people with disabilities. Our current problem is a limited number of therapists for them, which are not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia," he pointed out.
Hence, limited therapy services have led to spiraling queues of patients experiencing inadequate service.
Moreover, the distribution of health workers for disabled people is still centered on Java Island, with several provinces experiencing dearth of such workforce.
With the theme "Together for inclusive health for people with disabilities," Harbuwono affirmed that the government continues to ensure equal health services for all people.
"This theme is a wake-up call to implement action to realize sustainable development for and by people with disabilities," he stated.
In an effort to create a disability-friendly health service system, Harbuwono remarked that the role of all parties is deemed crucial to provide disability-inclusive services.
"First, through the role of all ministries and institutions across sectors in developing strategies in line with disability-inclusive health services. Second, the role of provincial and district and city governments in implementing disability-inclusive health service strategies," he outlined.
Furthermore, Harbuwono underscored the importance of the role of organizations for people with disabilities and the community in supporting and providing assistance to these groups.
"Lastly, the role of medical organizations, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists is needed to support services and reporting of disability cases in Indonesia," he stated.
Translator: Lintang Budiyanti P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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