doctorSHARE held another medical service for the people of Muara Kaman, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan on April 29 – May 4, 2018. This medical service is the second time to be held in Muara Kaman. Previously, the first medical service took place in 2015.

Unlike the first medical service, this time the doctorSHARE team used the Third Floating Hospital (RSA), RSA Nusa Waluya II which also became the first service. RSA Nusa Waluya II is an accommodation barge overhauled into a hospital. This medical service deployed 25 volunteers consisting of 22 medical volunteers and three non-medical volunteers.

The team from Jakarta departed on Sunday (29/4) morning and arrived in Balikpapan at around 09:00 WITA. Eight volunteers from outside Jakarta had already arrived in Balikpapan beforehand. The journey from Balikpapan to Muara Kaman usually takes 12 hours by road. The long journey did not dampen the volunteers’ spirit.

The next day (30/4), the team started a series of medical services in Muara Kaman. The activity began with medical treatment and preliminary examination (screening) at the Muara Kaman District Public Meeting Hall. There were 70 patients for general treatment, 30 patients for dental check-up, and 25 patients for pregnancy check-up. In addition, the team also provided counseling on the dangers of free sex and drugs at Muara Kaman High School (SMA) which was attended by around 400 students.

Medical service activities this time could not be fully carried out in Muara Kaman. Weather constraints prevented RSA Nusa Waluya II from crossing the bridge over the Mahakam River. RSA Nusa Waluya finally docked in front of the East Kalimantan Governor’s Office, Samarinda. Major and minor surgical services were also finally carried out in Samarinda.

Major and minor surgical patients from Muara Kaman were brought by speedboat and ambulance to Samarinda. The speedboat travel time is faster at two to three hours, while the ambulance takes four to five hours.

On Tuesday (1/5) the team performed major and minor surgeries at RSA Nusa Waluya II until the next day. Dental examinations were also carried out along with the surgical services. There were five major surgery patients and ten minor surgery patients.

Access to transportation and access to health is lacking by the people of Muara Kaman. It has been two years since Muara Kaman had a doctor. Some diseases that need further treatment will be referred to hospitals elsewhere. Poor road conditions also add to the difficulty of the community when in an emergency. The head of the local neighborhood, Mahmudin, admitted that he was grateful for the medical services in his neighborhood.

“I am grateful that doctorSHARE is helping our poor residents and I am very grateful. Hopefully doctorSHARE will continue for the people of Indonesia,” said Mahmudin.