Indonesia to turn former Vietnamese refugee camp into hospital for coronavirus patients
Following the confirmation of the first two COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, the government is making plans to transform a former camp for Vietnamese refugees on Galang Island, Batam, Riau Islands, into a hospital for COVID-19 patients, The Jakarta Post reports.
During a visit to assess the site, Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said Galang Island was chosen as the location for a COVID-19 hospital as several of the site's buildings still remained after being used as a refugee camp from 1979 to 1996.
The site also has access to clean water and electricity, while the island is located 50 kilometers from Hang Nadim International Airport.
The hospital, which is expected to be able to accommodate 1,000 patients, will be equipped with isolation rooms as well, which will take up 2 percent of the hospital’s total capacity.
Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said construction would be completed within a month.
Indonesia has reported two cases of coronavirus infection so far.