Indonesia Sets Up 477 Emergency Oxygen Shelters Amid Wildfire Haze

JAKARTA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's Ministry of Health has established 477 emergency oxygen shelters across community health centres, hospitals and public facilities in seven provinces to treat residents affected by toxic haze from ongoing forest and land fires, according to state news agency Antara.

The ministry’s Public Communications and Information Bureau head Aji Muhawarman said on Wednesday that Central Kalimantan hosts the highest number with 295 shelters, followed by South Kalimantan 127 and West Kalimantan 35.

According to data from the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, forest fires spanning 65 districts and cities in those seven provinces have caused 314,124 cases of acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Of the reported cases, 70,890 involved infants and children under five. On Oct 20 alone, the ministry recorded 3,269 new respiratory cases.

In response to the surge, the ministry has bolstered the readiness of 1,691 community health centres and 360 regional hospitals.

Free medical treatment is being provided for wildfire-related ailments, including ARI and diarrhoea, according to the report.

The government has also distributed 578,878 packages of essential medications, including cough syrups, antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeal treatments, alongside 1,500 vitamin kits and emergency health supplies.

Muhawarman said approximately 3.7 million N95 and surgical masks had been delivered, along with oxygen concentrators and personal protective equipment (PPE).

More than 2,600 health professionals, including physicians, nurses and epidemiologists have been deployed to affected areas.

To protect high-risk groups, particularly toddlers, pregnant women and older people, the ministry is working with local administrations and community health workers to prepare door-to-door health services.

--BERNAMA