The Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and the Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering at the UGM Graduate School (SPs UGM) conducted community service at the Pinilih Fitness House for People with Disabilities (RKD Pinilih) in Argorejo Village, Sedayu, Bantul.
The team, consisting of 25 students and two staff members, was accompanied by two lecturers, Dr. Rina Susilowati and Dyah Listyarifah, MD, who provided free health check-ups, dental examinations, and physiotherapy services to people with disabilities at RKD Pinilih.
Dr. Rina Susilowati told reporters on Wednesday (Aug. 28) that 50 participants and their families received health check-ups and physiotherapy services.
The health screening services included body mass index (BMI) measurements, blood pressure checks, glucose levels, uric acid, and blood cholesterol levels, as well as doctor consultations, which have been routine programs since last year.
“Most of the participants are parents of children with disabilities. It is undeniable that caring for individuals with disabilities at home daily requires physical and mental strength. Therefore, the parents must maintain their health,” said Dr. Susilowati.
Twenty individuals with disabilities, most of whom were “cerebral palsy” patients, attended the physiotherapy services, which were provided by several physiotherapists who are currently students in the Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences at FK-KMK UGM.
“The physiotherapy services we provide are essential to prevent muscle shortening and loss of range of motion,” she said.
Dr. Susilowati acknowledged that some cerebral palsy patients require assistance to be present and receive the physiotherapy services provided by the student and lecturer team at RKD Pinilih.
Teenagers and even adult cerebral palsy patients often make it difficult for their families to move them, let alone take them outside the house.
“We pick them up and drop them off at the examination site. We see that the parents of individuals with disabilities show extraordinary enthusiasm,” she said.
Maria Tri Suhartini, the manager of RKD Pinilih, appreciated the health check-ups and physiotherapy services provided by UGM, which she said were very helpful for individuals with disabilities in the Sedayu area.
“We are very happy, and the services are varied this year. Especially with the addition of dental check-up services, which are very rare,” Suhartini said.
Students’ participation in this community service activity is expected to help them better understand and explore the needs of individuals with disabilities. Due to their physical limitations, individuals with disabilities often experience low levels of independence.
The students’ understanding is hoped to help them design tools to assist individuals with disabilities.
“This is my first time interacting closely with people with disabilities,” said Aryo, a student in the Master’s Program in Biomedical Engineering, who felt grateful for the opportunity to help in the event.
The improvement of community independence in fulfilling the rights of people with disabilities, as pioneered by the RKD Pinilih, still requires broader support. This community service activity helps people with disabilities obtain health services that are often difficult to access due to various limitations.
Author: Gusti Grehenson