Surabaya, July 4, 2023 - The Floating Hospital Ksatria Airlangga (RSTKA) sets sail again to Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) to carry out its mission. The visited cities include Nagekeo, Ende, and Larantuka, which took place from May 15 to June 3, 2023.

On this occasion, RSTKA brought 17 volunteers to provide healthcare services. One of the volunteers who participated is dr. Diah Ayu Pitaloka, a participant of the Pediatric Specialist Education Program (PPDS) in Child Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University (UNAIR) Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya.

Self-Motivation

dr. Ita, her familiar name, stated that she had long desired to join RSTKA's voyage. When she got the opportunity to sail to NTT, she decided to register as a volunteer.

"I genuinely wanted to experience serving in remote islands," she said.

While she could have community service in Surabaya and its surroundings, her curiosity about the health issues in NTT became a personal motivation. "I wanted to know the reasons behind the high stunting rate in NTT, despite their abundant natural resources and sufficient human resources," she explained. Ita was not alone; she provided healthcare services in NTT together with other fellow volunteers.

Providing Healthcare Services

Ita shared that she and her colleagues focused on two aspects during their service: early stunting detection and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). They were assigned to Integrated Health Care Center (Posyandu) and Regional General Hospitals (RSUD). "During our duties, we discovered that the stunting issues differed in each city," she narrated.

Ita even made special notes in a book regarding the encountered problems. "I always take notes to avoid forgetting. I write down specific problems and prioritize what needs to be addressed first," she elaborated.

She added that there were various differences between the cultures in NTT and Java. Additionally, other disparities included the terrain conditions, mountain topography, types of plants, animals that could be bred as food sources, low protein diet culture, availability of clean water, and waste disposal facilities.

Ita and her colleagues provided medical treatment to children in need. This treatment served as an initial step to reduce stunting rates in the area. "The first management we can do is to address infections, such as urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, scabies, and others. We provide medication for urgent cases and make referrals when necessary," she clarified.

An equally important aspect of their dedication was conducting education about stunting and the importance of proper nutrition for children. "We provided education to nutritionists and healthcare personnel about stunting and the correct dietary patterns. It turns out that there is a dietary habit where carbohydrate intake exceeds protein intake," she explained.

Even after returning to Surabaya, they maintained intensive communication with nutritionists and healthcare personnel in NTT. Ita hopes that their efforts can reduce stunting rates in NTT. "We continue to communicate with nutritionists and healthcare personnel. Although we are no longer there, we can still manage stunting cases through the communication we establish," she expressed.

Interesting Life Experience

For Ita, the experience of sailing in open waters for days was a new and fascinating experience. The sensation of stepping foot in NTT was an interesting highlight in her life. She was amazed by the beauty of nature and the richness of culture she discovered.

Through the voyage, Ita also found a new family. She is even ready to return to NTT for the next mission with RSTKA. "I am prepared if there is another opportunity to go back to NTT," she concluded. (*)

Source : unair.ac.id/rilis-intip-pengalaman-dokter-ppds-unair-berlayar-bersama-rstka/