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54,135 people in Riau suffer from haze-related illnesses
(Antara/Rony Muharrman)Up to 54,135 people in Riau have experienced haze-related health issues, according to the Riau Health Agency, as ash from the provinceâs land and forest fires kept the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) at an âunhealthy levelâ on Saturday
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(Antara/Rony Muharrman) (Antara/Rony Muharrman)
(Antara/Rony Muharrman)
Up to 54,135 people in Riau have experienced haze-related health issues, according to the Riau Health Agency, as ash from the province's land and forest fires kept the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) at an 'unhealthy level' on Saturday.
'About 44,960 patients are suffering from acute respiratory infections [ISPA], while others are experiencing skin irritation [3,589], eye irritation [2,753], asthma [2,064] and pneumonia [769],' said agency head Andra Sjafril on Saturday as quoted by tempo.co.
According to Andra, in addition to providing 24-hour service at community health centers (Puskesmas) in regencies and cities, the agency is also offering services through a mobile clinic.
'Treatment is free. If there is an emergency, patients will be referred to Arifin Ahmad General Hospital in Pekanbaru,' said Andra.
He added that medicine supplies were sufficient since the agency was receiving support from the Health Ministry, Riau provincial administration and private institutions.
Although the number of affected residents is on the rise, daily cases are said to be decreasing amid Riau's improving weather. (kes)(++++)
