More than 150 Lepers Found in the Regency Asmat Papua

Timika (Antara) - A village in the regency of Asmat of Papua has more than 150 lepers, Head of the provincial health service Aloysius Giyai said here on Friday the lepers were found in the village of Mumugu when Health Minister Nafsiah Mboi visited that village last week. Aloysius said 13 of the lepers, however, had received medical treatment and had been cured under the program of free health care of the Health Social Security Operating Agency (BPJS). "The minister was so proud that 13 of the lepers have recovered fully from their illness. More of the patients are expected to be healed," he said. The officials of the provincial health service and the minister visited that area to see the implementation of (BPJS) in health sector in Papua. Aloysius said most of the people suffering leprosy were caused by lack of awareness of healthy living. The local people still need intensive education about healthy living, he said He said the minister hoped that the lepers would received proper medical treatment until that village is free from leprosy. (*)