Banten puts health facilities on high alert as Anak Krakatau ash spreads

Banten has placed its health system on high alert as volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau raises concerns about respiratory, eye and skin problems.

The provincial government instructed hospitals, community health centers, public health laboratories, quarantine stations and health posts to activate 24-hour emergency services according to local risk levels. The order appears in a circular issued by the Banten Health Office.

Health Office head Ati Pramudji Hastuti said cases remained within normal limits, but health workers were staying ready under the direction of the Banten governor. She said ash contains particles and irritating gases that can affect breathing, aggravate asthma, irritate the eyes and skin, contaminate uncovered food and water, and create accidents by reducing visibility and making roads slippery.

Facilities must ensure supplies of oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, bronchodilators, inhalers with spacers, sterile eye-wash solutions, personal protective equipment and particulate respirators. They must also maintain referral arrangements and ambulances.

Field health workers will conduct daily surveillance for increases in respiratory cases, with priority given to infants, children, older people, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses. The health office said mask supplies were sufficient and that the Health Ministry’s Crisis Center would send additional assistance to Banten, Lampung, Jakarta and West Java.

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Cases are currently still within normal limits. However, together with all health workers, we remain on standby in line with the directives of the Banten Governor to prevent any future surge in cases.