UNAIR NEWS – News on the first case of facial cleft handled by a team of doctors in Universitas Airlangga Hospital has reached high officials of East Java and Lumajang Regent. The patient, Tutik Handayani was visited by Vice Governor  of East Java, on Tuesday August 23, in UNAIR Hospital.

Vice Governor Saifullah Yusuf was accompanied by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mochammad Nasih, S.E., M.T., Ak, Lumajang Regent As’at Malik, Vice Director of  UNAIR Hospital Prof. M. Amin, dr., Sp.P (K), and the head doctor of the team which handles the case, dr. Indri Lakshmi Putri, Sp.BP-RE (KKF), visited Tutik on the eighth floor of UNAIR Hospital.

In the occasion, the man known as Gus Ipul had a conversation with Tutik. After knowing that she wants to be an ustazah, Gus Ipul asked her to recite a verse in the Qur’an. “Tutik can recite Al-Fatihah, it was quite fluent as well, a future ustazah recital indeed,” said Gus Ipul.

The Vice Governor cheered Tutik whose condition was getting better. He also said to Tutik not to be shy to get along with others. Tutik hid herself in the house as she felt different to the others.

“Alhamdulillah, Tutik is cheerful again. Get well soon, Tut. As long as you are happy, I will be happy too,” said Gus Ipul. “After this, Tutik doesn’t have to feel inferior among friends, so you can play with them,” he added.

Regarding the facial cleft case, Vice Governor appreciated the team of doctors from UNAIR Hospital. According to Gus Ipul, it was an achievement as it was the first case handled by UNAIR Hospital team of doctors.

“So, Tutik and UNAIR are in synergy. Tutik get treatments, UNAIR gain more reputation as they can handle the case well. It was an achievement,” said the Vice Governor of East Java.

Gus Ipul also said that Tutik does not need to worry the treatment cost. Even though it was not free, there are many parties who are willing to help.

“Don’t worry about the cost,” Gus Ipul said. “Nothing is free as basically none is free, there will be someone who pays. It could be BPJS Kesehatan, Jamkesda, or maybe from the Regent,” he added.

Doctor Putri who accompanied the visit said that Tutik can go home two more days, on Thursday, August 25. But, Tutik still has to go through the next operation to close the gap on the palate and the lip corner which will be adjusted with the result of the first phase operation. (*)

Author : Dilan Salsabila
Editor : Defrina Sukma S.