RI to increase supplies of medicine to Gaza

The Jakarta Post   |  Tue, 12/30/2008 9:03 PM  |  National

The Indonesian government plans to increase its spending on drug supplies for Palestinians in Gaza, from an initial Rp 2 billion (US$184,000) to Rp 10 billion.

The scale of the impacts of the Israeli strikes was beyond initial estimates, Health Ministry Crisis Management Center head Rustam Pakaya told Antara newswire on Tuesday.

Rustam said, during a meeting with Palestinian officials on Monday he had learned that more than 300 people had been killed and 1,300 people had been hospitalized, 800 of whom were in a critical condition.

After speaking to Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz Mehdawi, Rustam said Palestine required qualified anesthetists, medical equipment, medicine, food and tents.

With only three hospitals in operation in the area, it was harder for Palestinians to cope with the attacks, he said.

The government would soon send Rp 300 million worth of locally produced medicines and would disburse Rp 10 billion to buy more drugs in Egypt, Rustam said.

Earlier on Monday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono had written a letter to the UN secretary-general and the UN Security Council president condemning the Israeli attacks.

Yudhoyono said the attacks were disproportionate and that the Security Council must hold a formal meeting to issue a resolution to force Israel to stop its offensive.

Yudhoyono also pledged a total of $1 million in cash aid and another $2 million in medical supplies. (and)
 
Comments (3)  |   Post comment
A  |   A  |   A  |   Mail to a friend  |  Printer Friendly Version |  Digg it!  |  Add to Del.icio.us!  |  Add to Reddit!  |  Stumble it!   |  Share on facebook  

Nathan (not verified) — Sat, 01/03/2009 - 9:42pm

I find it difficult to accept that Indonesia is providing 2 million US Dollars in aid to Palestine. Indonesia is an aid recipient itself on the receiving end of many many millions of Dollars from Australian taxpayers to help Indonesian citizens. Like many other countries, Australia provides huge sums of money in aid to Indonesia.

Australia has already provided aid for Palestine. Is it morally correct for Indonesia to hand over money to Palestine that should really be spent on its own citizens?

Made Barong (not verified) — Wed, 12/31/2008 - 8:29am

Good idea, we all can see that Indonesians have enough medicines and money to buy more in Egypt so it is not necessary to assist here in Indonesia. I think Indonesia should send doctors, money and medicine outside the country more often.

B Acott (not verified) — Wed, 12/31/2008 - 7:22am

I do not condone what is happening in Gaza regarding the recent atrocities.

A warm gesture by the Indonesian government to send millions of dollars for medical supplies. Wouldn't this money be better spent for their own people who do not receive adequate medical services and supplies?

Donor countries give Indonesia millions of dollars each year for the benefit of Indonesia's development. The funds are not intended for any other use.

Support the Indonesian community.

Regards
Barry Acott

What's On

  • Jakarta Fair
    06/11/2007 06/11/2007 Jakarta Fairground, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta
  • Salihara Festival 2009
    07/08/2009 07/08/2009 Salihara, Jl. Salihara no. 16, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta

Corporate News


  • Bridgestone Tire Safety Campaign
    Mr. Agus Sarsisto, Mr. Shigeru Niho (President Director), Mr. Shinya Hisada (Marketing Director), Mr. John M. Arsyad Hold a place in the Tire Safety Campaign, Rest Area 57 KM ...
more