Jambi plans to increase services for HIV/AIDS

JAMBI CITY, Jambi: The Abdul Manap General Hospital in Jambi city plans to propose to the Health Ministry a special facility for people living with HIV/AIDS, said hospital director Ida Yuliati.

"If it is approved, we will open a special facility for HIV/AIDS patients and provide them with special doctors and drugs," Ida said.

The hospital will provide trained attendants to treat the patients as well as other facilities.

The Health Ministry has so far approved two HIV/AIDS reference hospitals - Raden Mattaher Hospital and K.H. Daud Arif Hospital in Kualatungkal, West Tanjungjabung regency.

Only Raden Mattaher Hospital is currently operating the HIV/AIDS ward, while KH Daud Arif Hospital has yet to open such facility due to lack of facilities and doctors.

Coordinator of the Jambi chapter of the Indonesian Network for People with HIV/AIDS, Yuli, has also proposed that the Abdul Manap Hospital become a HIV/AIDs reference hospital as it has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Jambi city.

"Jambi mayor should respond to the proposal," Yuli said. - JP