By: Engel Bertus*)
The government continues to demonstrate its commitment to accelerating development in Papua through various programs focused on improving the welfare of the community. One of the main aspects of this development is the improvement of healthcare facilities throughout Papua, an important step that aligns with the national program “Healthy Papua, Smart Papua, and Prosperous Papua.”
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has emphasized on various occasions the importance of accelerating development in Papua, particularly in the health sector. He explained that currently, Papua is in the process of accelerating development through the programs “Healthy Papua, Smart Papua, and Prosperous Papua.” Through this program, each region in Papua will have its own health services. This statement describes the government’s focus on ensuring that every citizen of Papua has equal access to healthcare services.
Papua, with its challenging geographical conditions and dispersed population, faces many challenges in providing quality healthcare services. Therefore, the government feels the need to design programs that not only improve the quality of healthcare facilities but also ensure the availability of adequate medical personnel throughout Papua. In support of the central government’s policies, the Provincial Government of Papua, through the Health Office, is also taking strategic steps to ensure quality healthcare services across all corners of Papua. The Secretary of the Papua Provincial Health Office, Aaron Rumainum,
explained that the Papua Provincial Government, through the Health Office, has implemented a contract system for specialist doctors to ensure the availability of medical personnel in the region while enhancing healthcare facility services. This is also part of the effort to maintain the availability of medical personnel in Papua. This step is very important considering the limited number of specialist doctors in Papua, which poses a major challenge in providing adequate healthcare services. With this contract system in place, it is hoped that more specialist doctors will be interested in working in Papua, so that people in remote areas can receive medical services equivalent to those in other regions of Indonesia.
In addition to the measures taken by the central and provincial governments, efforts to improve healthcare facilities are also being made at the county level. One concrete example is in Mimika Regency, where the local government is very focused on improving the quality of healthcare services for its citizens.
The Deputy Regent of Mimika, Johannes Rettob, stated that the healthcare facilities at Waa Banti Hospital in the Tembagapura District will continue to be improved, so that the community in the area can receive good services. All healthcare facilities providing services in Mimika are currently receiving full attention from the Mimika Regency Government. Especially Pratama Hospital and also the Community Health Centers. The improvement of health facilities in Mimika demonstrates how the local government is also actively involved in supporting national programs. With this improvement, Waa Banti Hospital and other healthcare facilities in Mimika are expected to provide better and faster health services to the community, especially for those living in remote areas.
Despite various efforts that have been made, the government still faces many challenges in improving healthcare facilities in Papua. Inadequate infrastructure, difficult geographical conditions, and a lack of medical personnel continue to hinder the realization of optimal healthcare services throughout the region. However, with a strong commitment from the central, provincial, and district governments, as well as active participation from the community, it is hoped that these challenges can be overcome.
The government hopes that the Papua Healthy, Papua Smart, and Papua Prosperous programs will be a long-term solution for improving the welfare of the Papuan people. These programs not only focus on physical development but also on enhancing the quality of life through better access to education and healthcare.
In addition, participation from various parties, including the private sector and non-governmental organizations, is also highly expected to support the government’s efforts in improving healthcare facilities in Papua. With good cooperation between the government, the private sector, and the community, development in Papua can proceed more quickly and effectively.
The improvement of healthcare facilities in Papua is one of the government’s top priorities in order to accelerate development and enhance the welfare of the community. Through the Papua Healthy, Papua Smart, and Papua Prosperous programs, the government is committed to ensuring that every region in Papua has adequate health services. This effort is supported by strategic measures taken by the Papua Provincial Government and local governments, as seen in the case of the improvement of healthcare facilities in Mimika Regency.
Although challenges still exist, there is great hope in the success of these programs in bringing real change to the people of Papua. By continuously improving healthcare facilities and ensuring the availability of adequate medical personnel, Papua is expected to achieve better and more equitable welfare in the future. The government, along with all stakeholders, continues to work hard to realize this vision, so that the entire Papuan community can enjoy decent and quality healthcare services.
By fully supporting government programs aimed at improving healthcare services in remote areas, we contribute to creating a better and more prosperous future for the people of Papua and Indonesia as a whole.
*) Papuan students living in Jakarta.