UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RSUA) hosted a visit from the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) and Gadjah Mada University Academic Hospital (RSA-UGM) on Monday, May 5, 2025. Held in the Dharmawangsa Hall on RSUA’s 8th floor, the meeting was attended by the directors of RSUA, RSUI, and RSA-UGM, along with their respective teams. Discussions centered around the possibility of forming a joint procurement consortium among the three university hospitals.

In her welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Umi Athiyah, Dra., M.S., Apt., Chair of the RSUA Supervisory Board, highlighted that RSUA operates as a teaching hospital, which inherently differs from private and government-run hospitals. “In this era, collaboration should take precedence over competition,” she emphasized.

Reframing public perception

She noted that collaboration is also a strategic move to redefine how the public perceives teaching hospitals—not only as educational institutions but as providers of quality healthcare. “There remains a perception that teaching hospitals are solely places of learning. Through collaboration, we aim to establish them as among the best in healthcare delivery,” she said.

Prof. Athiyah also stressed the shared mission that unites teaching hospitals, which is distinct from general hospitals. “State university hospitals are aligned with the broader mission of public universities, which is guided by the Tri Dharma of Higher Education,” she explained.

Driving change through consolidation

Commenting on the collaborative plans, RSUA Director Prof. Dr. Nasronudin, dr., Sp.PD-KPTI, FINASIM, stated that strategic changes are essential to adapt to evolving healthcare regulations. He proposed consolidation as a way to boost operational efficiency and enhance employee welfare. “We need to adjust to the many shifts in policy. Consolidation can help streamline resources and improve workforce conditions,” he noted.

He further explained that the goal is to foster mutual support among the hospitals by leveraging their respective strengths. “We recognize that each institution has unique advantages and limitations. Cross-subsidization is key to addressing these gaps,” he said.

Prof. Nasronudin outlined that the consolidation will unfold in two stages. “The first phase will involve RSUA, RSUI, and RSA-UGM in Central Java. In the second phase, we aim to present this initiative to the Ministry, advocating for a nationwide consolidation among all state university hospitals,” he concluded.

Author: Rizma Elyza

Editor: Yulia Rohmawati