Palu, N Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The military’s Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (RI-PNG) Border Security Task Force from Infantry Battalion 711/Raksatama provided free medical services at Kaliasin Post, Kibay village, East Arso sub-district, Keerom district, Papua province, on Monday.
"To assist the government in improving the health of the people living around Kaliasin Post, the task force gives treatment to the people for free," the Commander of the Border Security Task Force of Infantry Battalion 711/Raksatama at Kaliasin Post, Second Lieutenant Fredy Atang, stated when contacted from here on Monday.
The service is being provided every day to help the surrounding community, he informed.
"This is not the first time the community has come to the post for getting health treatment. Since the beginning, we have told the local community leaders, traditional leaders, and religious leaders that people should not hesitate to come to visit our post for medical treatment," he said.
In addition to providing treatment for free, the task force is also providing medicines free of charge.
Personnel from the task force sometimes also visit residents' homes to conduct preventive healthcare.
"We are always ready when people need our help and equipped with adequate health instrument and medicines while visiting their homes,” the task force commander said.
Health facilities and infrastructure in rural areas, which are far from community health centers or hospitals, are still very limited, he pointed out.
"Hence, it is usual for people at the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border that the task forces provide medical treatment to the community," he said.
Furthermore, the Infantry Battalion 711/Raksatama task force is not only treating people, but also educating them about the health protocols for curbing the transmission of COVID-19 as well as conducting vaccinations.
"Hopefully, our attempts will benefit the community," Atang added.