Indonesia Boosts Pediatric Heart Surgeries with Saudi Arabian Support

Medan, The Gulf Observer: Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has underscored the pivotal role of collaboration with King Salman Relief, Saudi Arabia, in accelerating pediatric heart surgeries in Indonesia.

Addressing reporters at the Haji Adam Malik Hospital in Medan on Friday, Sadikin highlighted the successful outcomes of recent surgeries facilitated by this partnership. “The collaboration with the Saudi Arabian government aims to provide life-saving operations for Indonesian children, bringing joy to many parents,” he remarked.

Sadikin emphasized the urgent need for such collaborations, citing statistics that reveal 12,000 Indonesian babies suffer from congenital heart defects requiring surgical intervention. However, due to a shortage of pediatric heart surgery specialists, Indonesia can currently only accommodate surgeries for half of these cases.

“In our pursuit to reduce mortality rates, we are exploring various avenues, including boosting the training of more doctors. However, this process can take up to four years. In the interim, we are grateful for the support from the Saudi Arabian government to address this critical healthcare need,” Sadikin elaborated.

He further highlighted that beyond medical assistance, the collaboration aims to enhance the expertise of Indonesian medical professionals in pediatric cardiac care.

Ambassador Al-Amoudi expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to aiding Indonesia, particularly in treating childhood heart diseases. “We are dedicated to intensifying our efforts to save Indonesian children and to empower local medical practitioners,” he affirmed.

The collaboration has received acclaim from North Sumatra acting governor Agus Fatoni, who expressed gratitude for the partnership’s impact in his region. “This initiative has significantly accelerated the treatment of infants in North Sumatra. We welcome this support wholeheartedly,” he commended.

The ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Saudi Arabia exemplifies a strategic approach to safeguarding the health of Indonesian children, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.