Indonesia Pledges Medical Support for North Maluku Hospitals
Ternate, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, visited Chasan Boesoerie Hospital in Ternate, North Maluku, on Sunday to review medical facilities and address hospital needs. During the visit, he listened to concerns regarding budget constraints and the shortage of medical equipment and assured the government’s commitment to providing necessary assistance.
Sadikin emphasized that four hospitals in North Maluku have been prioritized for support, with the government ready to provide medical resources to enhance healthcare services in the region.
“We will provide medical equipment, such as heart examination tools, so patients do not need to be referred elsewhere. Additionally, we will supply cancer therapy equipment, which is essential but expensive. This hospital requires more comprehensive facilities,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the challenges faced by 23 hospitals in North Maluku, noting that many still lack essential medical equipment. He particularly mentioned the hospital in Taliabu, which is geographically remote, and urged improvements in accessibility. He also expressed hope that the construction of the hospital in Maba would be completed this year.
Following his review of the emergency unit and the heart disease building, Sadikin continued his working visit to Maba, East Halmahera, accompanied by North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda and the Regional Secretary of North Maluku.
As part of his trip, the minister also conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bobong Regional Hospital in East Halmahera. According to Rahwan Suamba, Head of the Leadership Administrative Bureau of the North Maluku Provincial Government, this initiative is the first step in upgrading the hospital to Class C standards.
The hospital modernization program is part of President Prabowo Subianto’s Quick Win/Best Results Program (PHTC), which aims to modernize 66 regional hospitals in Indonesia’s most remote cities and districts.
