The second cohort of the service team from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK–KMK UGM), part of the UGM Academic Health System (AHS) Team, has arrived in Banda Aceh to undertake a handover of duties from the first UGM AHS Team. This marks the team’s continued commitment to accelerating the recovery of health services in affected areas that remain in urgent need of additional medical support.
Team representative Dr. Sudadi stated that the deployment of the second UGM AHS service team was facilitated by the Secretary of the Aceh Provincial Government. Following coordination with the Health Emergency Operational Center (HEOC) in Aceh Province, the number of deployed team members was set at 14, all of whom will be stationed at dr. Muchtar Hasbi Hospital in Lhoksukon, North Aceh.
“The deployment of this second team was facilitated by the Provincial Secretary, who is also a KAGAMA member, via both air and sea routes. A total of 14 personnel have been sent,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (Dec. 9).
Dr. Sudadi described the concerning conditions at the hospital, particularly the severe shortage of medical personnel, which has significantly hampered services. In addition, the hospital faces limited access to clean water due to the impact of the disaster.
“One of the major challenges is the clean water supply. The water reservoir below was covered in mud, while the upper tank has very limited capacity and runs out within a day,” he explained.
In response to this issue, he noted that the UGM AHS service team has coordinated with the FK–KMK UGM Dean’s Office to support the installation of a semi-permanent water system, including building a tower and installing pipelines to supply clean water to inpatient wards.
“We have repaired several routes, but many remain damaged,” he said.
On Saturday (Dec. 6), Dr. Sudadi continued, the team that had arrived at the hospital was divided into two groups. The first group, consisting of around three medical personnel, was assigned to the Emergency Department and Polyclinic of dr. Muchtar Hasbi Hospital.
The second group was deployed to Langkahan District, an area with a high number of affected residents. He added that the team treated approximately 90 patients on the first day, increasing to about 110 patients on Sunday (Dec. 7).
“So the team is split into two: one prepares the hospital as a referral center for inpatient cases, while the other provides services directly to the community,” he said.
After assigning two medical personnel to conduct field assessments, Sudadi noted that the second team had indeed been prepared to provide direct community assistance. To strengthen the earlier deployment, preparations are underway to send another team to the Bener Meriah Regency.
This decision follows recommendations from the Health Emergency Operational Center in Bener Meriah regarding the types of medical personnel needed. While the number of affected residents in Bener Meriah is relatively small, many communities are isolated, prompting the need for additional support.
“One team will continue operations in North Aceh, at dr. Muchtar Hasbi Hospital in Lhoksukon. The next team will be stationed in Bener Meriah. We are currently preparing the personnel for that assignment,” he explained.
Regarding the next deployment to Bener Meriah, Dr. Sudadi said the team is expected to depart on Thursday (Dec. 11) following further coordination. Although the exact conditions in the area remain unclear, he anticipates a situation similar to that in Lhoksukon and therefore expects the team composition to remain the same.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photograph: UGM AHS Team