UNAIR NEWS – The Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) runs the Bakti Nusa Tenggara Barat mission on safeguarding the nation’s generation. The agenda was conducted from November 13 to 30, 2023, at three island groups, the East Lombok, West Sumbawa, and Sumbawa. Thirty-one volunteers took part in the healthcare mission in the West Nusa Tenggara.

Health issues within island communities hitherto have not been adequately addressed due to the uneven distribution of healthcare facilities and personnel. To address the issue, RSTKA UNAIR in the Bakti Nusa Tenggara Barat carries the mission “every islander matters”.

“Hopefully, the program will help the local community to get quality health service like those in urban areas,” dr. Sisca said.

Improving collaborations

The RSTKA program was held in partnership with PT Amman Mineral, PT Astra Komponen Indonesia, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, and the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“I’d like to thank PT Amman Mineral for being the main sponsor for the Bakti NTB through its social impact programs,” she said.

PT Astra Komponen Indonesia also provided echocardiography equipments to early detect congenital heart diseases in children. This has become the focus of RSTKA UNAIR.

“I’d also like to thank the volunteers from the Faculties of Medicine from UNAIR and UGM. Without the volunteers, the vision and mission of RSTKA UNAIR won’t successfully proceed,” she said.

Program execution

The stunting issue remains a national concern, especially in island regions. This has prompted RSTKA UNAIR to launch a chicken farming program in East Lombok. The program aims to provide an understanding of chicken farming. The eggs can be consumed by children to prevent stunting.

RSTKA also provides healthcare services for children with congenital heart diseases. Six cases of children with congenital heart diseases were identified. Through BPJS, the children will undergo advanced treatment with referrals to Dr. Soetomo Hospital.

“Previously, there were two pediatric patients from East Nusa Tenggara who received treatment. Both patients underwent invasive procedures and heart surgeries. Fortunately, both patients recovered and returned to East Nusa Tenggara,” dr. Sisca said.

RSTKA UNAIR has also collaborated with the Faculty of Medicine UGM to address cataract issues in island communities. A total of 99 patients were treated over three days by UGM volunteers. “Hopefully, the positive steps we’ve taken can address a bit of the health issues in the island regions,” she said.

Author: Satrio Dwi Naryo 

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia

Source : unair.ac.id/en/rstka-completes-its-public-health-mission-in-west-nusa-tenggara