68 Health Centers Damaged by Flores Earthquake; Officials Urge Accelerated Recovery

Sixty-eight public health centers (puskesmas) in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, have been damaged following a 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the region. Of the 190 puskesmas operating in Flores, 19 are currently unable to provide services to the public due to the damage.

Charles Honoris, Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives (DPR), emphasized the need to expedite emergency response and the recovery of health services in the post-earthquake period. He stated that accessible health services are crucial for residents in the disaster-affected areas.

"We want to get an overview of the condition of all hospitals, puskesmas, and health service facilities in the affected regencies in Flores to map out further handling," Honoris said in a statement on Saturday. His remarks followed a visit to the disaster-stricken areas, where he observed significant damage to health facilities.

In Manggarai Regency, the Ruteng Regional General Hospital (RSUD) sustained serious damage, forcing some services to be relocated outside the main building. The Reo Pratama Hospital suffered severe damage, requiring its services to be moved to temporary facilities. Honoris indicated that parliamentary oversight would extend beyond these two facilities, with a comprehensive evaluation planned for all health service facilities across the affected region.

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We want to get an overview of the condition of all hospitals, puskesmas, and health service facilities in the affected regencies in Flores to map out further handling.