Jakarta – The North Jakarta Health Agency recorded an increase in the number of residents receiving subsidized medical services through the Gakin insurance scheme, from 131,361 in 2006 to 136,633 in 2007.

Agency head Sugandi said the increase was indicative of the rise in poverty in the municipality. "As of the end of 2007, there were 5,272 new residents in six districts who received Gakin cards," said Sugandi, as quoted by Beritajakarta.com on Monday.

He urged hospitals not to turn away patients with Gakin cards. He said if the hospital was full, officials should provide patients information on alternative hospitals.

"Residents in North Jakarta often go to Koja General Hospital, which cannot accommodate all of them. For those who need information about alternative hospitals, they can send a text message to SMS Center: 021-91374461," Sugandi said.

The agency cooperates with 13 hospitals, including Suliyanti Saroso Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Pluit Hospital, Port Medical Center and Gading Pluit Hospital.