The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) carried out a humanitarian action to support victims of floods and landslides in Sumatra by helping address the health problems of disaster-affected residents. This initiative involved student organizations, lecturers, and FKIK alumni in several areas impacted by floods and landslides across Sumatra.
Accompanied by lecturers, FKIK student organization leaders and members began distributing assistance in the form of free health check-up services and medication in affected areas such as Medan City, Tanjung Pura, Padang Tualang, Brandan, and Besitang.
Through this humanitarian effort, hundreds of residents benefited, including 70 people in Besitang, 30 in Brandan, and 25 in Padang Tualang. The most common illnesses found among flood victims were acute respiratory infections (ARI), gastritis, fungal infections, bacterial skin infections, diarrhea, and dermatitis.
Not only students, but FKIK UMSU alumni also actively participated in assisting the victims. Records show that five alumni were on duty at Bener Meriah Regional Hospital, three alumni at Muda Sedia Regional Hospital in Aceh Tamiang Regency, as well as in South Tapanuli (Tapsel), Batang Toru, and several other affected locations. As medical personnel, they also helped initiate fundraising efforts and aid distribution.
The Dean of FKIK UMSU, dr. Siti Masliana Siregar, Sp.THT-KL., Subsp. Rino(K), expressed her appreciation for the swift actions taken by students and alumni in assisting the community. According to her, health workers play a strategic role during disaster situations.
“It is only fitting that medical students and FKIK UMSU alumni assist disaster victims as a form of empathy and moral responsibility as health professionals,” said the Dean.
She added that students not only provided direct health services on the ground, but also contributed through social media by updating information on field conditions and the victims’ urgent needs.
The FKIK UMSU humanitarian action is ongoing, including continued donation drives and plans to deploy additional teams to the areas most severely affected by the disasters.
