Vice Rector II of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Prof. Dr. Akrim, officially dispatched 70 medical personnel from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) to establish a health service post for disaster-affected residents in Bandar Pusaka Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang Regency. The send-off ceremony was held at the FKIK UMSU campus and attended by the deployed medical team.
Bandar Pusaka is among the most severely affected areas and has received limited assistance, including healthcare services. The situation is further aggravated by the suspension of services at the local health center (Puskesmas). In response, FKIK UMSU has prioritized medical assistance in the area.
Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., stated that the initiative is part of the Impactful Campus community service program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which encourages universities across Indonesia to take part in disaster response efforts. He explained that the Bandar Pusaka mission marks UMSU’s fifth humanitarian deployment, following previous missions in South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli/Sibolga, Langkat Regency, and Aceh Tamiang Regency. “After assessing the severe conditions in Bandar Pusaka, we decided that FKIK UMSU must be present in this area,” he added.
The community service program in Bandar Pusaka will run until 31 December 2025 and will operate from a temporary health center serving as the FKIK UMSU medical post.
Dr. Ratih Yulistika Utami, M.Med.Ed., explained that the FKIK UMSU team will provide healthcare services at the temporary Puskesmas for 11 days, involving a total of 70 medical personnel consisting of 22 specialist doctors, 20 general practitioners, and 30 medical interns. In addition to stationed services, the team will also operate mobile clinics, reaching affected areas to identify and treat residents in need of medical care.
Beyond medical services, the FKIK UMSU team is also providing access to clean water, Starlink internet connectivity, and food supplies for mothers, toddlers, and infants. “Due to the high presence of mosquitoes in the area, we have also brought mosquito nets for residents,” Dr. Ratih added.
Notably, FKIK UMSU will donate medical equipment used during the mission to the temporary health center, including fetal monitoring devices, blood glucose testing equipment, and other essential medical tools, to support continued healthcare services for the community.
