BANYUWANGI – At the commemoration of National Health Day in Banyuwangi, Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani reminded all residents of the importance of caring for and maintaining the health of the elderly. The Banyuwangi District Government even has a programme to send health workers to the homes of poor residents to give the care needed.
This was conveyed by Regent Ipuk when visiting Sumini at her home in Kedungrejo Village, Muncar Sub-district, Sunday (24/11/2024). The 70-year-old woman suffers from diabetes, which hampers her activities.
Sumini’s leg has been amputated due to her condition. Previously, she worked as a junk collector and cracker seller. Health workers have routinely conducted health checks on Sumini at her home.
“I want to make sure that the programme is running well, especially for the poor who cannot come to the health center for routine check-ups or controls. It is the officers who routinely come to check and give medicine to patients. Like Mrs. Sumini, who is physically challenged,” said Ipuk.
Ipuk also visited Samsuri’s house. The man is no longer able to work in the rice paddy because he has difficulty walking due to an injury to his hip after falling a while ago.
“More than 11,000 residents have received this service from health workers. Hopefully, this can improve the health status of Banyuwangi residents, especially the elderly,” she said.
“We have also organized a programme that focuses on the delivery of ‘rantang kasih’ (free food) to the elderly who live alone. Every day, they are sent nutritious food due to their physical limitations,” she added.
After checking up on the elderly, Ipuk visited a baduta (baby under two years old) who suffered from stunting at only 14 months old. Born prematurely, this baby is routinely sent nutritious food by officers to help improve his health development. His health is also routinely checked by Kedungrejo Health Centre officers.
“Stunting is not only a health issue, but will have a long-term impact on the nation’s human and economic development in the future,” said Ipuk.
National Health Day was specially commemorated in Banyuwangi with various activities. One of them was at Tembokrejo Field, Muncar, Sunday (24/11/2024), which was attended by health workers who are members of various professions. In the area, various activities were held, such as free health checks for local residents.
Acting Head of the Health Office Amir Hidayat explained that the event was packed with various activities ranging from gymnastics and health walks together, social services, health campaign parades, and free health checks.
“The free health checks range from heart, eye, ENT, skin, genital, child, gynecological, to lung examinations,” said Amir.
