YOGYAKARTA- Some people assess that studying medical science in several universities in Indonesia costs highly. It is as if only the rich can become doctors. In fact, if you view the history of medical education and physician practice in Indonesia, it is always based on humanism rather than on business (economy). This has confirmed that learning medical history is very important to explore more knowledge of the history of medicine which is useful as a source of learning on the values given by exemplary national characters and predecessors.
"The high cost of medical education is not apart form from the influence of globalization. Therefore, learning the history of medical education is very important," Prof. Dr. Sutaryo, Sp.A (K) explained on the sidelines of a preparation of the 1st Congress of the Indonesian Medical History Association (PERSEKIN ), at Faculty of Medicine UGM, Tuesday (22/11). On the occasion, Sutaryo was accompanied by faculty members of History Science Department of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Drs. Arif Akhyat, M.A. and Baha `uddin, S.S., M. Hum.
Given the importance of history for the nation’s building process, the Association of Indonesian Medical History (PERSEKIN) tries to bridge the historical role of medicine by holding the first Congress under the theme Building Character of Doctors and Indonesia through History of Medicine from 26-27 November 2011 in the Auditorium of Faculty of Medicine UGM.
"More than 150 participants from doctors, historians, anthropologists, deans of medical school, hospital directors, etc., will participate in the event," Sutaryo who serves as committee chairman of the congress explained.
Meanwhile, lecturer of History Department of FIB, Baha’uddin, S.S, M. Hum., explained that Indonesian doctor education began with the establishment of Javanese Medical School in 1849. This school is the oldest modern education system in Asia. Japan just started out in 1863, China in 1866, and the Philippines in 1871.
This school was originally founded as an effort to overcome disease outbreaks that caused the country's economic losses. At that time, education cost was fully borne by the Dutch East Indies government," Baha`uddin said.
Related to the Congress, Arif Akhyat explained matters to be covered in the event, ranging from medical history, medical history research methodology, the future of medicine, to the history of Indonesian medical pioneers. According to Arif , the role of Indonesian medical scientists in the health sector cannot be underestimated and compared with foreign scientists/doctors.
"The great ideas of Indonesian doctors are not inferior to those of foreign doctors," said Arif.
PERSEKIN was established in Jakarta on January 23, 2009, with the founders dr. Kartono Mohamad, Dr. dr. Rusdhy Hoesein, Prof. dr. Firman Lubis, dr. Doddy P. Partomiharjo, etc. PERSEKIN is a non-profit organization and aims to disseminate knowledge about the history of medicine, especially in Indonesia.