Sakala Island, a small island in the eastern part of East Java, was the site of a recent humanitarian mission led by the Ksatria Airlangga (RSTKA) Floating Hospital. The mission aimed to improve healthcare access for underserved communities in isolated areas. Over the course of two days, RSTKA deployed a team of medical professionals, including nurses, general practitioners, and specialists, to provide essential healthcare services. The mission proved highly successful, treating 278 patients in need of care.
Sakala Island, with its scattered population and limited medical infrastructure, faces significant challenges in accessing adequate medical services. The majority of the island’s residents rely on a small health post that lacks doctors, forcing many to travel six hours to Sapeken Island for medical treatment. This situation prompted RSTKA to take proactive measures by sending its medical team to the island.
“The residents of Sakala Island face significant limitations in healthcare access. The existing health facility is extremely limited, and difficult transportation further prevents many from receiving proper medical care. We felt compelled to come here and provide much-needed assistance,” said Dr. Safira, an obstetrics resident with RSTKA, during the mission.
The RSTKA medical team was composed of various healthcare professionals, including general practitioners and residents specializing in pediatrics, obstetrics, and pulmonologists. This diverse team allowed for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. Experienced nurses and additional medical staff supported them, offering services ranging from consultations to advanced health screenings.
In addition to providing direct medical care, the team brought ample medical supplies and equipment to ensure each patient received the appropriate treatment. It was particularly critical given the limited medical resources available on Sakala Island.
Offering comprehensive care
During the two-day mission, the RSTKA team worked around the clock to treat as many patients as possible. From morning to evening, they conducted consultations, exams, and treatments for residents who traveled from across the island. A total of 278 patients received care over this period.
Patients presented with a wide variety of health concerns, from minor ailments like colds and skin infections to more serious conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory issues. The presence of medical specialists enabled the team to manage complex cases requiring specialized attention, including high-risk pregnancies, tuberculosis, and malnutrition in children.
In addition to providing medical care, the team also conducted health education for the community. The RSTKA team delivered outreach on the risks and dangers of early marriage, aiming to raise awareness among students about the importance of reproductive health, the risks associated with early marriage, and its impact on both the physical and mental well-being of young people on Sakala Island.
The mission was warmly received by the people of Sakala Island, who expressed deep gratitude for the medical care provided by RSTKA. The local community rarely has access to quality healthcare services. Sakala village head Buhari Muslim expressed his appreciation and hope that such initiatives would continue in the future.
“We are extremely grateful for the RSTKA medical team’s visit. For a long time, we have struggled to access advanced medical care and have had to send patients to Sapeken Island, which requires a six-hour journey over rough seas. We hope that these missions can continue in the future to help maintain our health,” Muslim said.
Commitment
This mission is part of RSTKA’s ongoing commitment to providing healthcare services to communities in remote and outermost regions. RSTKA Field Coordinator Dr. Yohanes Widyakusuma Eka Saputra emphasized that the humanitarian efforts would extend beyond Sakala Island to reach other areas in need.
“We believe that everyone, no matter where they live, deserves access to quality healthcare. This mission is a testament to our dedication to serving the people of Indonesia, particularly those in remote areas. We will continue to work toward reaching more regions in the future,” he stated.
The two-day healthcare initiative on Sakala Island not only provided treatment but also offered new hope to the local community. With 278 patients treated, the mission demonstrated that distance and limited access are not insurmountable barriers to delivering essential healthcare services.
The people of Sakala Island now have renewed hope for a healthier future. RSTKA’s dedication and hard work have shown that healthcare can reach every community, no matter how remote.
Author: RSTKA Team
