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Super Cool! The KIA RS Prof Ngoerah Building Can Take Care Of Premature Babies Weighing Less Than 1 Kg

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the Mother and Child Health Service Building at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Bali on Monday (September 2). This marks the fifth building inaugurated by President Jokowi. Accompanied by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, State Secretary Pratikno, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, the President arrived at the site at 2:30 PM Central Indonesia Time (WITA). Upon arrival, he headed straight into the new building to check out the children's clinic, delivery room, and operating room. After touring the facilities, the President expressed his admiration for the building's design and interior, likening it to a five-star hotel. "Walking into this new building at Prof. Ngoerah Hospital felt like entering a five-star hotel; the waiting area is fantastic, and the furniture is arranged beautifully," he said. He also noted that each room is equipped with advanced and modern medical equipment, expressing optimism that these resources will help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Bali and across Indonesia. "This will lower the mortality rates for mothers and children in Bali and throughout our country," President Jokowi stated. The President also mentioned that the construction of the 326-bed facility cost around Rp 233 billion. He emphasized that while the budget is significant, the priority is to enhance public health. "It's worth it as long as the community, especially mothers and children, receive the best healthcare possible," he added. Minister Budi explained the reasons behind the construction of the mother and child health service building, highlighting the high infant mortality rate in Indonesia, which stands at about 78,000 deaths annually.

Every year, around 78,000 babies die out of 4.6 million births. Indonesia has one of the highest rates, sitting above 15 per 1,000, while developed countries are around 2 per 1,000, according to Health Minister Budi. He pointed out that the main reason for the high infant mortality rate in Indonesia is prematurity, which refers to babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy and weighing less than the normal range of 2.5-4 kilograms. "Most deaths in Indonesia are due to prematurity. Issues like marrying too young or problems during pregnancy lead to births before 37 weeks," he explained. Minister Budi also mentioned that the government has categorized healthcare facilities based on their ability to handle premature births. Community health centers are equipped to assist with deliveries of babies weighing under 2,000 grams, while regional hospitals in 514 districts are prepared for those under 1,800 grams or over 34 weeks of gestation. Provincial hospitals can manage births of babies weighing up to 1,000 grams or over 28 weeks, and specialized hospitals can care for those under 1,000 grams or under 28 weeks. "That's why we've built maternal and child health facilities to handle births under 1 kg, as the numbers are still significant and we aim to reduce mortality," said the Minister. I Wayan Sudana, the Director of Prof. Ngoerah Hospital, expressed gratitude to the central government for their support in constructing the new building. "I'm really happy and thankful to the President and the Health Minister for this amazing facility," he said. He hopes that the new building, equipped with advanced medical technology, will enhance healthcare services, especially for mothers and children.

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Tag: Agus Subiyanto Budi Gunadi Sadikin Health Minister Joko Widodo KIA Mother And Child Health