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Oleh Penni Patmawati Rusman, Selasa, 21 Agustus 2018 | 13:27 WIB - Redaktur: Penni Patmawati Rusman - 1K
Jakarta, InfoPublik - The 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) at 05.57 WIB on Sunday (7/29). The Ministry of Health had deployed health workers and alerted all community health centers (Puskesmas) at the stricken areas.
Victims who suffered injuries were immediately given emergency first aid and evacuated to Puskesmas. In case they need advanced treatment, they will be admitted directly to hospitals.
The worst affected locations were in East Lombok Regency and North Lombok Regency. Ministry of Health had sent a rapid health assessment (RHA) mentoring team, and also immediately dispatched 2 more staffs from the Health Crisis Center to conduct the RHA.
The ministry also continued to conduct the coordination for the distribution of medicine. In addition, the health team managed to set up several health service tents to improve health services in addition to the Puskesmas. However, no surgeries can be performed in the tents, hence victims requiring surgery will be admitted to Lombok Timur Hospital and North Lombok Hospital.
A field officer in NTB Jaye Provincial Health Office reported that all Puskesmas in East and North Lombok Regencies has been alerted, especially those in the worst affected area, Bayan District, North Lombok. "Puskesmas Bayan and Senaru have been alerted," he said via telephone on Sunday (7/29).
10 doctors have also been fetched and there are offers to send more from the provincial health agency. Currently, medicines and health workers are still sufficient.
Furthermore, the General Hospital (RSUD) operates normally because it is located far from the epicenter.
Until now, 5 victims suffer serious injury and 41 suffer minor injury. In the mean time, Gadar, an officer from the Ministry of Health, reported that 8 people had died.
Health workers who are on duty, in addition to saving the victims by taking every measures to prevent fatalities, are also recommended to maintain their own safety. (Translator: Erik Limantara)
