Minister Of Health: Health And Safety Of Health Workers Is A Priority After The Death Of Health Workers In Papua

JAKARTA - Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, asked all parties to maintain the safety and comfort of health workers, especially those who serve in remote areas.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Health in response to the violence carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) against health workers in Kiwirok District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua which resulted in the death of Gabriela Meilani.

"We really hope that we can maintain the safety and comfort of all health workers because of their heavy and noble duties in all corners of Indonesia", Budi said in a press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Monday, September 20.

The Ministry of Health, he continued, expressed deep condolences and regretted the acts of violence committed against health workers.

Moreover, these health workers were indeed sent to the regions to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in remote areas.

"It is necessary to know that all health workers are sent to all corners of Indonesia, especially to fight against enemies who have killed more than 4 million people", said the former Deputy Minister of SOEs.

"The government, in particular the Ministry of Health, expresses deep condolences and deeply regrets the violent incident by the KKB, the Armed Criminal Group in Papua, which resulted in one of our medical personnel, sister Gabriela Meilani, being killed in carrying out her noble duties", added Budi.

As previously reported, the body of a health worker named Gabriela Meilani was successfully evacuated on Friday, September 17 afternoon after receiving equipment loan assistance from the Jayapura SAR.

He died after falling into a ravine with a number of his friends. Previously, Gabriela had been persecuted by KKB members.

There are also 10 health workers on duty in the district. Where four health workers who are victims of persecution are still being treated at Marthen Indey Hospital, Jayapura.

The four health workers who are still being treated, namely dr. Restu Pamanggi, Katrianti Tandila, Emanuel Abi, and Kristina Sampe Tonapa.