UNAIR Dean of Medicine Sends RSTKA Medical Team on Humanitarian Mission to Mandangin Island
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Prof. Dr. Budi Santoso, recently announced the deployment of the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) medical team to Mandangin Island. The team, comprised of 12 volunteer doctors, left for the mission on February 16, 2025. Among the volunteers are UNAIR alumni, including Dr. Nur Safitri and Dr. Rizka Uswatun.
Team Composition
In addition to UNAIR graduates, the team features general practitioners from various institutions, such as Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Universitas Padjadjaran, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, and Universitas Brawijaya. Prof. Budi Santoso highlighted the broader significance of the RSTKA initiative, indicating that it represents a contribution to the nation and is no longer confined to UNAIR’s objectives.
Mission Participants
The mission also includes Dr. Fairuziah, a graduate of Universitas Padjadjaran who previously interned in Garut. Field Coordinator Dr. Yohanes Eka remarked on the significant interest from applicants, noting that the team could have ideally included all qualified candidates and encouraged others to remain engaged for future missions.
Mission Theme
The theme for the 2025 RSTKA mission is “Early Detection of Catastrophic Diseases in Remote Islands,” aligning with the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s initiative to provide free medical screenings. The focus of this mission is on communities with limited access to diagnostic resources and medical specialists. The floating hospital aims to offer free screenings and necessary treatments in these underserved regions.
Support and Collaboration
The success of this humanitarian mission is supported by sponsorships from SKK Migas and Husky-CNOOC Madura Limited (HCML), alongside collaboration with Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at UNAIR, and the Faculty of Medicine at UNAIR. Additional backing comes from the Sampang Regency Government, the Surabaya branch of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), Bakti-Komdigi, PT Pelindo, PT Pelindo Jasa Maritim, and Aperindo.
Conclusion
This initiative exemplifies a collaborative approach to improving health services in remote communities and reflects an ongoing commitment to enhancing public health in Indonesia.
(Source: Universitas Airlangga)
