A total of 170 people with disabilities took part in a free health checkup program held during a social service activity organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM) on Sunday (Feb. 1) at Graha Agung, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The activity was conducted as part of the 80th Anniversary and the 16th Lustrum of FK-KMK UGM under the theme “Compassion in Action, Empowering Lives,” in collaboration with UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) and Sahabat dan Pemerhati Difabel dan ODGJ (Sapadifa).
Dr. Supriyati, Coordinator of the FK-KMK UGM Community Service Team, stated that this community service activity reflects UGM’s commitment as an inclusive and health-promoting university to improve public health standards.
To ensure the program’s success, the faculty collaborated with partners who have consistently contributed to the initiative over the past three years.
“This collaboration has been ongoing for three years, and we hope it will continue as a form of participation in supporting a healthier community,” Dr. Supriyati said in a statement released to the media on Tuesday (Feb. 3).
Meanwhile, Ade Febrina Lestari, representing the board of directors of RSA UGM, welcomed the activity and expressed strong support, particularly for the provision of health services for children with disabilities.
She emphasized that every child has the right to receive optimal support for growth and development.
“Disabilities should never be a reason for a child to be denied the same and equal services as other children. This is where the role of families and the surrounding environment becomes crucial in ensuring the fulfillment of children’s rights and access to facilities,” the paediatrician said.
During the one-day health checkup, persons with disabilities attended the activity accompanied by their family members.
In addition to free medical examinations, FK-KMK UGM also provided health education services and distributed basic food packages to persons with disabilities and their accompanying families.
“While waiting in line, participants were invited to attend educational sessions on superflu, allowing this social service activity to also serve as an informative space for health learning,” Dr. Supriyati explained.
Sulis, one of the participants from Imogiri, Bantul, shared that she has lived with a disability since 2011 due to a chronic tuberculosis infection. She expressed her happiness at being able to participate in the free health checkup organized by UGM.
According to her, the examination helped her better understand the development of her condition, especially as she continues to work despite relying on a wheelchair.
“We are very happy. Through this checkup, we better understand our health issues and the steps we should take. Today’s services are also very complete, with special checkups for children as well as adults,” Sulis said.
Dr. Supriyati emphasized that this activity further strengthens UGM’s role in implementing the Health-Promoting University (HPU) concept and consistently encourages healthy lifestyle adoption within the university and the wider Yogyakarta community.
The entire series of activities also represents UGM’s tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and equitable health and reducing inequalities.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara Putri
Photographs: FK-KMK UGM