"After 80 years of Indonesian independence, Maluku can finally conduct its first heart bypass operation. This is not just about facilities, but about saving lives and ensuring fair healthcare for all Indonesians," Sadikin said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
The minister, who attended the procedure at Johannes Leimena Hospital in Ambon, praised the medical team, regional government, and hospital for making the breakthrough possible.
He stressed that patients from eastern provinces have long struggled to access cardiovascular treatment, often needing referrals to Surabaya or Makassar. Such long journeys, high costs, and delays in receiving care put many lives at risk, he underlined.
As an example, Sadikin cited a patient identified as G, who was listed as number 289 in line under the BPJS Kesehatan program for a heart stent procedure in Surabaya. "This is the reality we want to change," he emphasized.
The government has established an integrated national cardiovascular care network, stretching from local health centers (puskesmas) to regional hospitals. According to the minister, the Ambon surgery represents a crucial step in these efforts.
Sadikin pledged to strengthen healthcare nationwide, aiming for all 34 provinces to be capable of performing at least two key procedures: heart bypass and heart valve surgery. "Currently, 28 provinces are able to perform these procedures, and Maluku has officially joined the list," he confirmed.
The minister also urged regional leaders to improve cardiovascular services in their areas and ensure that medical specialists remain in their provinces rather than relocating to major cities.
On the same occasion, Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa welcomed the government’s commitment to expanding regional healthcare capacity.
He highlighted Johannes Leimena Hospital’s strategic role as a referral center for eastern Indonesia and expressed his aim to ensure more hospitals in Maluku can perform advanced procedures to address persistent accessibility challenges.
"The provincial government is committed to consistently improving healthcare quality—from human resources and infrastructure to medical equipment," Lewerissa said.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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