Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), during his visit to the Toroh 1 Puskesmas at Grobogan, Central Java, on Tuesday, aimed to ensure that every community health center (puskesmas) has an Ultrasonography (USG) device to monitor pregnancy.

Jokowi stated that the central government has distributed USG device to 10 thousand puskesmas throughout the country.

The president also remarked that the ultrasound device has a good system to help in eradicating stunting in the country.

"We hope that in the future, the USG device can be distributed evenly to detect pregnancy conditions early. All data detected will also go to the data center in Jakarta. This is very important to eradicate stunting," the president noted in a written statement from the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau.

Apart from the ultrasound equipment, the government also disbursed baby weighing device to several integrated health posts (posyandu) throughout the country as an initial step in handling stunting that will continue to be improved in future.

"There are 300 thousand scales that we have provided, which we did not have before. Now, with this device, we can measure our toddlers' weight and height. Everything can be checked. I think this is the kind of early stunting handling that we will continue to improve," he added.

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One of the pregnant women named Ria admitted to being greatly helped by the ultrasound equipment at the puskesmas.

Ria stated that her pregnancy checks had become easier, closer, and more complete.

"I am glad that now, puskesmas has an ultrasound device. We do not have to go too far to get checked. With this device, we can learn the fetus' heartbeat, the position, and the weight as well," she remarked.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy; Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono; Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin; Central Java Acting Governor Nana Sudjana; and Head of Grobogan District Sri Sumarni also accompanied the president during the working visit.

Related news: Ministry sends devices to health posts to prevent maternal deaths

Translator: Yashinta Difa P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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