Jakarta, Dec. 16 -- Around 414 of roughly 500 local health centers, known as puskesmas, in disaster-hit areas of Sumatra have resumed operations, while about 50 remain closed due to damage, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Monday, underscoring progress in restoring essential public services after weeks of flooding and landslides.

"These puskesmas are vital for meeting the health needs of residents who remain in their homes as well as nearly 800,000 people staying at evacuation posts. We need continued support, Sir, to ensure these services can function optimally," Sadikin told President Prabowo Subianto during a plenary cabinet meeting on December 15.

The minister also briefed the president on the condition of hospitals acros...