Since the eruption of Merapi on Friday (4/11), Medical Team of Disaster Response Unit (DERU) UGM set up emergency clinics in the eight IDP camps, which are UNY, UMY, UPN, Battalion 403, Scouts Barracks, Pangukan Sport Center, Sleman Big Mosque, Sleman Youth Center and Maguwoharjo Stadium. "Since the eruption of Merapi on Friday night, the Provincial Health Office left the health care services at eight IDP camps to UGM," Chairman of Medical Team of UGM DERU, dr. Sulanto Saleh Danu, said on Tuesday (9/11), in a press conference in Faculty of Medicine Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Previously, on 28 October, UGM DERU set up three emergency medical clinics in three places, namely Hargobinangun, Girikerto 1, and Girikerto 2. However, since the eruption of Merapi on 4 November 2010, the Hargobinangun medical post was moved to Maguwoharjo Stadium, while Girikerto post was moved to the Youth Center of Sleman.
Sulanto mentioned that he sent 300 doctors and 50 paramedics to provide health services and medicines. The entire medical staff consists of medical personnel of GMC Health Center, staff from Faculty of Medicine UGM, and resident doctors who practice in Dr. Sardjito Hospital and UGM Academic Hospital. "Medical personnel work alternately in shift to avoid fatigue," he said.
According to Sulanto, the IDP's physical condition was weakening from day to day. Most people are affected by respiratory infections, diarrhea, sore eyes, and sore skin. "The most common complaints are respiratory infections, diarrhea, and sore eyes. Besides, there is an increase in psychological disorder cases,” said Sulanto. He added that classification based on age group has not been made for health treatment.
Similar statement was also delivered by the Director General of Health Efforts, dr. Supriyantoro, Sp.P., MARS, that there is no separation between age groups. "In the health treatment, IDPs are not differentiated by age groups, children, adults, or elderly. However, there are special rooms being provided for the elderly, mothers and toddlers," he explained.
Dean of Faculty of Medicine UGM, Prof. dr. Ali Ghufron Mukti, M.Sc., Ph.D., said in the implementation of IDP health services, Health Team of UGM DERU in collaboration with Solidarity Group of Wives of Members of United Indonesia Cabinet (SIKIB) provide assistance in the form of 3 health-service cars, a Smart Car, and 5 health-service motorcycles. The facility is used to provide mobile health services.