Timika, Papua (Indonesia Window) – The Regent of Mimika in Indonesia’s Papua province, Eltinus Omaleng, officially launched an air ambulance of the regency’s Mobile Health Center to give health services to the people, especially those living in remote areas.

“Many people living in remote and coastal areas have difficulty getting health services. With the services, we can serve our families there," said the Omaleng regent when seeing off the Tsinga Health Center team in the Air Mobile Health Center program in Timika, the capital of Mimika, on Monday.

The air health services run by the Mimika Regency Administration is the first in Indonesia.

The Mobile Health Center services involve a Bell 412 helicopter operated by a Papuan company, PT Unitrade Persada Nusantara, which is used to supporting the works of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, in a number of health centers in remote areas that are difficult to reach by land.

During the release ceremony, Regent Omaleng called on all parties working in this humanitarian program to carry out their duties seriously in serving the people.

This is related to security issues in Papua which often involve the Armed Criminal Group (local known as KKB) who commit acts of violence against civilians, even military personnel.

"If we are wrong, they will surely be angry, but if we serve them well they will support us," said the Mimika Regent.

On the inaugural flight of the Health Center’s air ambulance, Omaleng released four medical personnel consisting of one doctor and three nurses. They will serve at the Tsinga Health Center for three months before being replaced by the next health team.

In addition to dispatching medical personnel, the helicopter also transports health logistics including patient beds, oxygen cylinders, infusions, medicines and additional foods for pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Reporting by Indonesia Window