UNAIR NEWS – Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) finally arrived in Majene, West Sulawesi, on Saturday, January 23, 2021. RSTKA had decided to set sail to Majene considering equal distribution of services and easy access for victims and communities affected by the disaster.
Director of RSTKA dr. Agus Harianto, SpB., stated that the ship’s route was changed to Majene because according to the report, the services in Mamuju were quite complete. The healthcare facilities there began to function and there was also support from the national military through KRI Soeharso.
“Regional hospitals are already functioning and performing surgeries. Other hospitals are also operational, including from KRI Soeharso which has provided services, “he said.
dr. Agus also stated that Majene was the epicenter of West Sulawesi earthquake and the medical services there are still limited.
“We want to reach victims who are close to the epicenter of the earthquake,” said the RSTKA Field Coordinator.
Medical services near Majene at this time, said Dr. Agus, is only from RSTKA. The location of Majene Hospital from the epicenter is quite far. It takes 50 minutes from RSTKA to Majene Hospital. Then from RSTKA to Malunda, it also takes 50 minutes.
“Our position is in the middle of Malunda Sub-district and Majene Hospital,” he said.
At the moment, RSTKA is involved more in the community to look for trauma cases which have not been treated. There are all kinds of reasons. “We will try to persuade the victim to undergo surgery. That’s our focus, “said dr. Agus.
Not only medical services on board, RSTKA volunteers carry out extra-hospital activities (non medical treatment), such as establishing refugee kitchen that can produce 600–700 packaged meal and provide clean water. Also, visiting and entertaining the community for trauma healing.
The floating hospital (RSTKA) is a 114 GT ( Gross tonnage ) pinisi ship with medical equipment and drugs. Like a hospital, on board, there are operating rooms and other medical services. As of Monday, January 25, 2021, RSTKA provided services to 35 patients and performed 7 operations with the assistance of orthopedic doctors and general surgeons.
“We are still updating the number of patients treated,” said dr. Agus.
“If we plan well, we can have a good impact. We focus on the services we have prepared. Keep up the spirit to serve with love and humility. God bless us all, “he concluded. (*)
Author: Dimar Herfano
Editor: Feri Fenoria
