Ministry guarantees medical equipment for NTT emergency response

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Health is ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment to support medical personnel in handling emergency cases in the aftermath of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) earthquake.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Thursday said the provision was in response to the need for emergency care, such as the emergency cesarean section performed by Dr. Restu during a time of limited medical equipment to save a mother and her premature baby.

During his visit to the field hospital in NTT, Minister Sadikin spoke with Dr. Restu, who recounted the operation. Due to limited medical equipment, the operation to save the mother and baby had to be carried out near the entrance of a building that remained safe for use.

“At the time, I considered the Cito SC (emergency C-section) plan, but referral routes were cut off. Bridges and roads were damaged,” the doctor said.

To address similar needs, the minister ensured the availability of essential medical equipment at the Nagekeo field hospital, such as anesthesia machines and cauterization equipment.

He explained that saving lives and addressing psychological trauma were the government’s top priorities following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on August 15, 2026.

Sadikin addressed that the disaster paralyzed services at two main hospitals, Pratama Rajad Hospital and Aeramo Hospital, and damaged three community health centers (Puskesmas).

In the midst of health facilities distress, Sadikin established three main priorities, with the first priority being expediting identification and medical services through a triage system within the next three to five days.

Patients in critical condition would be referred directly to hospitals, while those with minor injuries would be treated at community health centers or emergency tents.

“Our priority during the emergency response is the patients, not the service facilities. Patients come first, and then we repair the damaged facilities,” the minister pointed out.

The second priority is the rehabilitation of damaged health facility infrastructure, with a target of completion and renovations of damaged buildings within the next eight to twelve months.

Meanwhile, the third priority is trauma healing. The high level of public fear of aftershocks has prompted the Ministry of Health to partner with professional organizations to bring counselors to NTT.