"We will follow up on the suggestions conveyed by Papua Governor Mathius D. Fakhiri," he noted in a press release received in Jayapura, Papua, on Sunday.
The minister also emphasized that boosting health services nationwide is part of President Prabowo Subianto's eight core missions called the Asta Cita.
Sadikin made the remarks in response to Fakhiri's appeal for the central government to expedite the development of health facilities in the nine regions forming Papua Province to nurture healthy and quality human capital.
The governor confirmed that he had met with the minister in Jakarta on Friday (November 14), where he highlighted the construction of a hospital in Keerom District using a budget of more than Rp122 billion (around US$7 million), which has progressed to 50 percent.
He also mentioned the development of community health laboratories in Keerom and Jayapura Districts, with progress still stuck at 25 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Both facilities are being built on a budget worth Rp15 billion (nearly US$900 thousand) each.
Furthermore, Fakhiri sought the Health Ministry's support for commencing several major projects, including the construction of the Rodofabo Hospital in Waropen District, which requires up to Rp200 billion (US$12 million) in funding.
“Not to mention the development of a hospital in Mamberamo Raya District with a budget of Rp300 billion (US$18 million), as well as a special biosafety level2 room for the Papua Health Laboratory,” the governor added.
He also spoke of having proposed the procurement of essential tools and equipment for the Jayapura General Hospital, Abepura General Hospital, and Abepura Psychiatric Hospital.
"Additionally, we proposed elevating the status of the Abepura Public Hospital to one of a reference hospital for maternity and children's health services and lung infection treatment," Fakhiri added.
Despite the lagging projects, the governor appreciated the central government for completing the construction of the Jayapura Central General Hospital and the Supiori Hospital, which incurred budgets of Rp633 billion (US$38 million) and Rp53 billion, respectively.
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Translator: Qadri P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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