Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin pledged to add more specialist doctors to Jayapura General Hospital, Papua, to improve health services at the facility.
"The hospital's equipment is quite good. We just need to add more specialist doctors," he remarked on Saturday.
"We will also send senior doctors from Jakarta to train on certain cases in Jayapura," the minister noted.
Sadikin explained that to address the shortage of specialist doctors, his side will temporarily fill the positions with personnel from other central government hospitals.
"In the meantime, recruitment of new medical personnel will also be carried out, giving priority to health workers from Papua," he remarked.
The minister also reminded all relevant parties to maintain the hospital's health facilities.
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He noted that Jayapura General Hospital is not only a mainstay for the Papuan people but also has the potential to serve patients from countries in the Pacific region.
"Make sure to serve the community immediately. Serve with heart and maintain the hospital's cleanliness," Sadikin emphasized.
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The minister highlighted that with the Jayapura General Hospital fully operational, Papua region's six provinces can be served without the need to refer patients to other regions.
"Currently, many Papuans are still referred to Makassar. However, in the future, everything will be handled here. Specialist doctors are already available along with complete equipment. I will send senior doctors here routinely for training," he affirmed.
Meanwhile, President Director of Jayapura General Hospital, Petronella Marcia Risamasu, stated that, regarding the strengthening of referral services, the hospital is in the process of installing a cath lab, which will be a key facility for treating heart disease and stroke.
"With all the equipment installed, the next stage is obtaining the permit, which must be processed immediately, to serve the patients optimally," she stated.
