More than 1,200 people have been treated at the Chinese field
hospital since it was erected ten days ago in the Indonesian town
of Bantul, which bore the brunt of the May 27 devastating
earthquake that killed over 5,800 people.
Darmo Taruno, 68, has traveled 15 km from his home in the
southern part of Bantul to receive treatment on his injured back
for the second time Tuesday.
"I was told during my first visit no bones were broken and I got
pills. I come here again because I noticed an open wound around my
shoulder," he told Xinhua while showing the wound.
Many patients came with dislocated or broken bones, with some
having stretcher cases.
50-year-old Melia, lying on a stretcher, was among patients
packing the Chinese makeshift hospital Tuesday.
"I was denied a place in the Panti Rapih Hospital in Yogyakarta
because it was already understaffed and overwhelmed by patients.
The hospital could only receive emergency cases," she said.
"A relative of mine told me about this field hospital but
suggested I first take an X-ray photograph before coming here. I
did," she said.
The hospital has performed at least two major surgeries to plant
metal stick inside broken legs.
Sadi Sumanto, 63, was very happy to know that a makeshift
hospital had been set up only several meters from his home.
The elderly man broke his right shinbone during the disaster and
was first treated at a small clinic nearby.
"This hospital appears to have better equipment. Besides, they
don't charge me for anything," he said on his wheelchair.
There are also many patients with diseases unrelated to the
earthquake impacts, such as cold and headache.
The 40-strong Chinese medical team, which comprises mostly
members of the China International Search and Rescue Team, will
stay in Bantul for another ten days.
(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2006)
