M

embers of the Indian diaspora in Medan, North Sumatra, have teamed up with the police and a nonprofit organization to organize free health checkups for some victims of the Mount Sinabung eruption.

As many as 20 specialist doctors, 47 volunteers, healthcare officers and members of the local police force were fielded to provide free dermatology, pulmonology, ophthalmology and ear, nose and throat treatments for all 484 residents of Namanteran village, one doctor said.

“Free medicine was also available to all the patients,” said Irwanto Phen, founder of Dr’s Koffie Foundation, which aims to provide free health care for the underprivileged.

Karo Regent Terkelin Brahmana was present at Sunday’s event, joined by Vice Consul Lawlesh Kumar from the Indian Consulate General in Medan, the president convener of the Indian Expatriate Association in Medan, Ashish Sharma, and police chief Djajduli, commander of the North Sumatra Police’s Mobile Brigade Corps.

Some 12,000 children are reportedly suffering from health problems as eruptions at the second-highest peak in North Sumatra continue, according to the Sheep Indonesia Foundation.

Sinabung erupted in 2010 after being dormant since the 1600s. It erupted again in 2013 and has been showing volcanic activity to this day, spewing hot clouds and volcanic ash.