"Community health centers (Puskesmas) and hospitals will stand ready for potential emergencies on February 14–15," said Siti Nadia Tarmizi, the ministry's Head of Public Communication and Service Bureau.
She said that the health facilities are being prepared to anticipate various unwanted events, such as emergencies, disasters, and social conflicts.
The ministry has also readied the Public Safety Center (PSC) 119 hotline as a form of preparedness.
Earlier, the ministry, along with the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), carried out health screenings for the members of Vote Organizing Groups (KPPS) to minimize the risk of exhaustion among them while on duty.
"Those who are prioritized (to be selected) are people who do not have comorbidities or degenerative diseases or do not have chronic diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, kidney disease, stroke, malignancy, and lung disease," she informed.
She said that officers identified as having degenerative diseases will need to be examined by medical personnel and get a health certificate and a letter stating that their disease is under control.
The Health Ministry has also been implementing promotional and preventive health measures to minimize health risks during the elections, especially among election officers, since January 24.
Tarmizi said that her ministry has briefed KPPS officers about health facilities and ways to maintain good health by getting enough sleep and exercise, as well as eating enough and drinking sufficient water.
With these preparations, she expressed hope that the election process will run safely and smoothly.
Around 5.7 million KPPS members across the country have been prepared for the elections, in which around 204.8 million voters are expected to participate.
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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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