unri.ac.id As a form of concern for the community affected by the haze disaster that occurred in the Riau region, the University of Riau Disaster Preparedness Task Force (Satgas-SB-Unri) together with the University of Indonesia (UI) carried out community health social service activities for communities affected by forest and land fires (Karhutla) in several villages in Kampar Regency.
This was conveyed by Dr. Suwondo MSi as Secretary of the Unri SB Task Force, Monday (30/9/2019) to the unrinews editor. "As is known, some time ago, haze enveloped the Riau region. Air quality has reached dangerous levels and the smoke has had a significant impact on public health, with many residents suffering from shortness of breath, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and vomiting. Therefore, the Unri and UI BB Task Force carried out a two-day social service, September 28-29, 2019 in two villages. Namely, Kualu Village and Tarai Bangun Village, located in Tambang District, Kampar Regency.
"As a university based on the Tridharma of Higher Education, this activity demonstrates Unri and UI's commitment to providing direct assistance to the community. Meanwhile, Unri, through its institutions and units, continues to conduct a series of research, actions, and advocacy efforts with the community regarding forest and land fires in Riau," he said.
Unri currently provides free healthcare services at Unri Hospital, a referral hospital for patients with illnesses caused by the haze. On the same occasion, Dr. Zulharman, Director of Unri Hospital, stated that during the haze, Unri Hospital experienced an increase in the number of patients exposed to the haze, including students and the surrounding community, with approximately 60-80 patients. Complaints from residents and students included shortness of breath, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and vomiting.
Furthermore, Unri and UI are collaborating to address this situation. The community service activities, a collaboration between the two universities, include providing free medical treatment, masks, oxycan , emergency lights , and air purifiers to communities affected by the forest and land fires.
"Unri Hospital provides medical personnel to assist with community treatment, health checks, and medication. In addition to providing medication, the UI Cares Team also provided masks, oxycan , emergency lights , and air purifiers ," he added.
On another occasion some time ago, Albert Patrick J Roring SS Mhum as the Head of the UI Cares Team, said that UI Cares is a routine activity under the auspices of the Directorate of Research and Community Service, which is carried out in all regions of Indonesia that have experienced disasters.
"Disaster management has a mission, among other things, to pioneer research-based activities in clinical aspects, public health and building a disaster management system," said Albert.
"Therefore, we (UI- ed ) are collaborating with Unri to address the haze disaster caused by forest and land fires in the Riau region by distributing supplies and medicines. We hope this initiative will have a positive impact on the local community," he explained. (wendi. photo: special) ***
