According to the latest data, the recent floods in Aceh Province have had a severe impact, leaving 955,322 people, equivalent to 214,940 households, in urgent need of assistance, particularly access to health services. As part of a rapid response and humanitarian solidarity effort, Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) officially deployed its Disaster Response medical team to the affected areas on Wednesday (Dec. 3).
President Director of RSA UGM, Dr. Darwito, stated that the deployed team consists of a joint contingent under the UGM Academic Health System (AHS) Team, which integrates various university health units. The team will conduct needs exploration, field assessments, and initial health services.
“We are deploying 15 medical personnel and volunteers, consisting of 6 personnel from RSA UGM, 6 from dr. Sardjito General Hospital, and 3 from dr. Soeradji Tirtonegoro General Hospital,” Dr. Darwito said in an interview on Monday (Dec. 8).
Dr. Darwito further explained that the team is scheduled to serve for one week, with the possibility of personnel rotation depending on needs. The mission includes surgical doctors, anesthesiologists, and an operating room team, supported by complete medical facilities. After one week, a subsequent team will be dispatched with assessment reports and additional logistics.
“In the post-disaster phase, we may also send psychologists and psychiatrists to support the mental recovery of survivors, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly,” he added.
In addition to deploying qualified health professionals, the team is equipped with a full supply of medicines and medical provisions.
The medicine packages have been specifically prepared to address common post-flood conditions, such as skin infections, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and other first-aid needs.
Meanwhile, a representative of the RSA UGM Hospital Disaster Plan, Wahyu Kartiko Tomo, noted that the team’s readiness encompasses both personnel and medical equipment. The deployment is part of UGM’s established disaster response procedures.
“Deployments of UGM hospital medical volunteers have been carried out several times. Whenever a disaster occurs, we consistently send medical personnel along with logistical support to the affected areas,” Tomo said.
Dr. Darwito also mentioned that the UGM AHS Team will immediately establish a health service post upon arrival and coordinate with local health authorities to distribute medicines to displaced residents in need.
This initiative reaffirms UGM’s role as a people-centered university committed to community service that directly contributes to national recovery after disasters.
“We hope that through the medical personnel and supplies we bring, we can help ease the burden of those affected,” Dr. Darwito concluded.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographs: RSA UGM