Health Minister Reviews Leprosy Management in Makassar to Strengthen Health Services
The Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, recently conducted a working visit to Makassar, South Sulawesi. During the visit, he was accompanied by the Vice Mayor of Makassar, Aliyah Mustika Ilham. They visited the Jongaya Leprosy Complex to directly observe the condition of the facilities and health services for leprosy patients in the region.
This visit aims to strengthen the synergy between the central and local governments in managing leprosy. The Minister of Health wants to ensure that every patient receives proper care and sufficient medication. This is part of the government's program to reduce leprosy cases in Indonesia, particularly in areas that still have relatively high transmission rates.
Aliyah Mustika Ilham welcomed the significant attention from the Ministry of Health toward the residents of Makassar. She explained that close cooperation is essential so that rehabilitation programs for leprosy patients can run more effectively. The Makassar City Government is committed to continuing to improve the infrastructure around the complex to ensure the patients' living environment becomes healthier and cleaner.
In addition to focusing on medical treatment, this visit also emphasized the importance of eliminating the negative stigma surrounding leprosy in society. The government hopes that the public will no longer marginalize patients, as leprosy is a curable disease if treated quickly and appropriately. With the support of better facilities, it is hoped that patients can recover soon and return to living normal lives within the community.