Sampit (ANTARA) –
Member of the DPRD of East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, Langkap appealed to the Health Service to start extra anticipating seasonal diseases that often appear in the rainy season, such as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and diarrhea.
“Currently, Kotim is already covered by the rainy season, we ask the Health Service to instruct hospitals and community health centers to prepare for seasonal diseases, one of which is dengue fever which must be watched out for,” said Langkap in Sampit, Monday.
The Secretary of Commission III DPRD Kotim, in partnership with the Health Service, explained that based on forecasts by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Kotim has entered the rainy season since the end of last September.
Not only that, the rainy season this time is expected to be longer than last year, lasting eight to ten months. This condition certainly increases the potential for the spread of seasonal diseases.
Therefore, his party requested that the Health Service prepare anticipatory steps, starting from prevention and treatment which requires careful planning so that health service facilities are not overwhelmed when this case occurs.
“Health promotion teams in all medical facilities must also increase prevention outreach and monitor community conditions. “Monitoring like this is very important to anticipate and suppress the spread of disease,” he said.
Also read: Kotim Health Office collaborates with BNK to conduct urine tests on 105 employees
Langkap also reminded that coordination between the Health Service and health service facilities must run well, especially in preparing medicines and supporting infrastructure such as patient beds.
His party does not want people to complain about difficulties in getting medical services when needed, due to a lack of preparedness from the relevant agencies.
Apart from that, politicians from the Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) mentioned the high number of dengue fever in Kotim in 2023.
Based on data from the Central Kalimantan Provincial Health Office in 2023, dengue fever cases reached 3,150 cases during the January-December 2023 period and from 14 districts/cities in Central Kalimantan, it was recorded that Kotim was the district with the highest dengue cases, namely 623 cases.
For this reason, he suggested that the Health Service carry out fogging at several points that are considered very prone to Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes in the hope that the number of dengue cases this year can be reduced.
“There is no need to wait for a case or incident to occur before taking action. “Because as we know, prevention is better than cure,” said Langkap.
Rainy Days and Health Concerns in Kotawaringin
Well, here we are, dear readers! East Kotawaringin Regency has officially been slapped with a wet blanket, a.k.a. the rainy season. Who would have thought that the real epidemic would be the flurry of seasonal diseases that come along with those glorious rain showers? Yes, folks, it’s that time of year when the mosquitoes start putting on their best dance moves, and the dengue fever cases begin to rise like bread in an oven!
Time to Get Prepared
Member of the DPRD of Kotim, Langkap (let’s hope that name isn’t a euphemism for the health situation), has urged the local Health Service to start ramping up preparations. It appears we’ve been gifted a season where not only will you want to keep your umbrella handy, but also your mosquito repellent and, potentially, your toilet roll! That’s right; along with our friends at Dengue, we also have diarrhea making an entrance. It’s like a two-for-one special that nobody asked for.
“Currently, Kotim is already covered by the rainy season,” Langkap commented in a tone that could only be described as slightly concerned yet hopeful. “We ask the Health Service to instruct hospitals and community health centers to prepare for seasonal diseases.” You know it’s serious when they start instructing hospitals — I suppose that’s what we call a “you had one job” moment for the health authorities.
Pulling Out the Crystal Ball
And speaking of that famed crystal ball (or maybe just a forecast from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency—BMKG, for the uninitiated), they predict a rainy season that’s going to outstay its welcome. Last year’s dreary rain lasted around six months; now we’re talking eight to ten! Wouldn’t it be lovely if hospitals could adopt a policy where they get more bed space instead of just more rain?
Here’s the kicker: this extra rainfall is expected to crank up the exposure to diseases like dengue, and let’s not even start on the possibility of another diarrheal drama! Langkap’s keen on making sure the Health Service doesn’t just wait until someone rings them up with a case of the sniffles—he’s advocating an all-out health strategy. Because, as we all know, well-planned prevention is about as effective as a good punchline in a comedy routine—timely and well executed.
Coordination is Key
Speaking of execution, health promotion teams in all medical facilities are getting a stern reminder to up their game. Langkap really brought home the point that “monitoring community conditions” was crucial. I mean, why wait until everyone’s boarding the vomit comet before addressing the rising tide of ailments? One can only imagine the Health Service saying, “Oops, sorry! We thought the rain was just a natural detox!”
The Dreadful Numbers
Let’s get to the numbers—because nothing scares us more than data! Did you know that in 2023 alone, there were a staggering 3,150 recorded dengue cases across the region, with Kotim racking up the highest tally at 623? Yes, that’s right—Kotim is basically the poster child for dengue. Not exactly the kind of fame you want to brag about at dinner parties!
In response, Langkap has made a pressing suggestion: “Let’s fire up the fogging machines and get those Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes shaken in their boots.” Imagine an army of appropriately dressed health officials, buzzing round with fogging devices like the Ghostbusters—but instead of ghosts, they’re off to liberate us from our tiny, flying tormentors.
Worksheet for Next Season
As we sail into this rainy adventure, let’s not forget the age-old adage: “Prevention is better than cure.” So here’s the takeaway: if you’re living in or visiting Kotim, stay vigilant! Pay attention to those uninvited guests like DHF and diarrhea. And for the local health officials, here’s a friendly nudge to coordinate, prepare, and—big shocker here—actually act before the situation goes from a drizzle to a deluge.
Because trust me, nobody wants to be caught in a storm—especially not the kind that comes with buzzing mosquitoes and a side of gastrointestinal distress.
Kotim need to start hustling! Langkap emphasized the importance of enhancing community outreach and monitoring health conditions actively. “Health promotion teams in all medical facilities must also increase prevention outreach and monitor community conditions. Monitoring like this is very important to anticipate and suppress the spread of disease,” he stated, showing a blend of urgency and practicality.
**Interview with Langkap, Member of the DPRD of East Kotawaringin Regency**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Langkap. With the rainy season officially upon us, what are your primary concerns regarding public health in East Kotawaringin Regency?
**Langkap:** Thank you for having me. My biggest concern is the spike in seasonal diseases, particularly Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and diarrhea. As we enter this longer rainy season, it’s vital for the Health Service to ramp up preventative measures.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this rainy season could last eight to ten months. How does this extended period affect the potential spread of diseases?
**Langkap:** It significantly increases the risk. Longer rainy periods create more breeding sites for mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes Aegypti, which is responsible for dengue. We need to prepare our hospitals, community health centers, and health promotion teams to manage what could be a serious public health challenge.
**Editor:** That sounds urgent. What specific actions are you advocating for the Health Service?
**Langkap:** I have urged them to implement proactive measures, including thorough fogging in high-risk areas and enhancing community outreach about preventative health. We cannot afford to wait until cases arise; prevention is key.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Based on current statistics, Kotim recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Central Kalimantan this year. How do you interpret this data?
**Langkap:** The numbers are alarming—3,150 cases total in Central Kalimantan, with 623 in Kotim alone. This highlights the need for immediate action and shows how crucial it is for the Health Service to be well-prepared. We must ensure that health facilities are not overwhelmed when cases begin to rise.
**Editor:** Coordination seems to be an important theme in your message. How can agencies ensure they are working together effectively?
**Langkap:** Effective communication and timely resource allocation are key. Health service facilities must share information about capacity and available resources, including medicines and patient beds. This coordination will help streamline our response when health issues arise.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Langkap. Your commitment to public health is commendable, especially as we face this challenging season ahead.
**Langkap:** Thank you for the opportunity. Let’s hope for a healthier rainy season for everyone in East Kotawaringin Regency!