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COVID-19: Hundreds of boxes of masks stolen from West Java hospital
The facility currently has 60 boxes left, which would be enough for the next several days.
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Workers of PT Jayamas Medica process orders for face masks in Jombang, East Java on March 18. (Antara/Syaiful Arif)
A total of 470 boxes of surgical masks have reportedly been stolen from Pagelaran General Hospital in Cianjur, West Java.
“When we checked the supply [of masks] for January to March, we found that 470 boxes were gone, 200 of which were supplies for February,” director of the hospital Awie Darwizar said on Tuesday as quoted by Antara News Agency.
He said the masks had been prepared for medical workers at the hospital to treat COVID-19 patients.
Awie added that the facility currently had 60 boxes left, which would be enough for the next several days. The financial loss caused by the theft is said to be around Rp 100 million (US$ 6,100).
Read also: COVID-19: Government to distribute 100,000 protective equipment to medical workers
Cianjur Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Juang Andi Priyanto said his team was currently investigating the matter.
“We have questioned a number of witnesses, including hospital workers, security guards and parking attendants. We hope to solve the case as soon as possible,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a massive strain on Indonesia’s healthcare system, with increasing reports of inadequate medical supplies and the deaths of hospital workers as patient numbers continue to surge. (aly)
