Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono confirmed on Monday that medical teams are already on the ground. “The doctors from ministry-owned hospitals have been deployed to the area,” he said during the Health and Innovation Festival (HAI FEST) 2025 here, Monday.
As part of the humanitarian effort, the ministry has collected Rp 681 million (USD 41,000) in donations, while Dharma Wanita, the civil servants’ wives association, raised an additional Rp 800 million (USD 48,000).
Harbuwono noted that innovative health technologies showcased at HAI FEST will also be sent to Sumatra, since medical equipment in three provinces was damaged by recent floods and landslides.
President Prabowo instructed the ministry to prioritize treatment for diseases that often spread after floods, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
“I believe medical interns from universities can also be dispatched,” he said during a meeting with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in Aceh on December 12.
The directive comes amid a shortage of medical personnel in Sumatra, as many local doctors were themselves affected by the disaster.
To strengthen the response, Sadikin requested support from the Defense Ministry, which agreed to send around 300 doctors from the armed forces and police to supervise the interns.
Health Minister Sadikin said these military doctors will provide guidance and ensure medical services continue in affected health facilities.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin added that his ministry has prepared additional emergency measures beyond defense equipment to help address the crisis.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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