Dies Natalis ke-67, Komitmen UGM Memajukan Kesehatan Indonesia
Dies Natalis ke-67, Komitmen UGM Memajukan Kesehatan Indonesia
This year Universitas Gadjah Mada celebrates its 67th anniversary. The theme of celebration is “Dari UGM untuk Indonesia Sehat” (“From UGM for Healthy Indonesia"), various academic and non-academic activities would be held as a form of UGM participation for the advancement of society.
"Today we face many health problems, such as fake vaccine and various epidemic threats. Therefore, it is suitable that we bring health theme this year, " said Chairman of the 67th UGM Anniversary Committee, Prof. dr. Budi Mulyono, Sp.PK (K)., MM at the opening of Dies Natalis celebrations on Friday (16/9) at the Hall of UGM.
According to the Rector, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., the anniversary this time was to be the moment to improve the cross-discipline consolidation, especially among the faculties of health, so that the spirit of "From UGM for Healthy Indonesia" can actually be realized.
"In the Board of Trustees meeting yesterday evening we talked about the distribution of UGM research, particularly the one related to innovations in the field of health. We are challenged to submit proposal on interdisciplinary research, because there are so many funding opportunities," she said.
Given the wide range of health issues emerging in Indonesia, according to Dwikorita, vaccine development and prevention of the zika virus are some of the things that become UGM concern. She also explained the plan to establish a laboratory for medical device product innovation (Technomed Factory) where UGM would develop workshops or small industries to produce superior medical devices.
"Hopefully, the beginning of next year Technomed could begin their production. It has also received support from the Ministry of Industry," she said before officially opened anniversary celebration by releasing balloons.
On this occasion, Dwikorita also expressed appreciation to the researchers, both lecturers and students, who sacrificed their time and effort for UGM. She also asked all UGM elements to jointly contribute, not only for the UGM, but also for the nation's progress.
"Let us be brave to sacrifice and contribute to promote health in Indonesia," she said.
The spirit of healthy Indonesia was seen at the opening ceremony which filled by various activities, such as gymnastics for all faculty members, UGM employees and local residents, the launch of Water Supply System (SPAM), as well as a flash mob dance of Six Steps of Washing Hands. These activities were held to raise awareness of the importance of health care that begins from ourselves.
"We introduced Six Steps of Hand Washing as it becomes one of the main ways to prevent infection," said Budi Mulyono.
The series of activities that will take place until December 19 will be filled with a variety of academic activities such as workshops or seminars, as well as social, cultural, and sports activities such as artistic performances and social events.