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President Prabowo Directs Deployment of Medical Interns and Residents to Sumatra Disaster zones
Overview
On December 7, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto instructed Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin to deploy medical interns (koas) and resident doctors to areas in Sumatra severely affected by recent disasters. The directive focuses on providing medical assistance to victims in Aceh, West Sumatra (sumbar), and North Sumatra.
Context of the Directive
The directive came during a limited meeting Prabowo held with several ministers and agency heads at the integrated disaster response post at Sultan Iskandar Muda air Base in Aceh Besar,Aceh. The meeting focused on coordinating the response to the natural disasters impacting the region. Minister Sadikin had previously reported a significant shortage of doctors in Aceh,prompting Prabowo’s response.
According to Detik.com, Prabowo believes that utilizing intern and resident doctors will provide crucial support to disaster victims.
Doctor Shortages in Aceh
Minister Sadikin’s statement regarding a doctor shortage in Aceh highlights a pre-existing vulnerability exacerbated by the recent disasters. While the exact number of doctors needed wasn’t specified in the initial report, the acknowledgement of a shortage underscores the urgency of the situation. Further examination is needed to determine the specific medical specialties most in demand and the logistical challenges of deploying personnel to affected areas.
The Role of Medical Interns and Residents
Medical interns (koas) are final-year medical students completing their clinical rotations,while resident doctors are physicians undergoing specialized training. Deploying these doctors allows for a rapid increase in medical capacity during emergencies. However, it’s important to note that these doctors are still in training and require appropriate supervision and support.
utilizing interns and residents can also provide valuable field experience for these future medical professionals,enhancing their preparedness for similar situations in the future.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
- Logistics: Transporting and accommodating medical personnel to remote disaster areas can be challenging.
- Supervision: Ensuring adequate supervision for interns and residents is crucial for patient safety.
- Infrastructure: Disaster-affected areas may have limited medical infrastructure,requiring mobile medical units or temporary facilities.
- Coordination: Effective coordination between the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and disaster relief organizations is essential.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 7, 2025 | President Prabowo Subianto directs the deployment of medical interns and residents to Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. |
| Prior to December 7, 2025 | Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin reports a significant doctor shortage in Aceh. |
