Medical Equipment Seriously Damaged After the Disaster, Puskesmas in Bireuen Aceh Still Open to Serve the Community

JAKARTA - The Peusangan Siblah Krueng Health Center in Bireuen Regency, Aceh, continues to provide basic health services to the community even though its main facilities and infrastructure were damaged after the flood disaster in late November 2025.

"Currently, the emergency room service and service for several clusters have started to be active," said the Head of the Peusangan Siblah Krueng Health Center, Dr. Darmawanti, in his statement in Banda Aceh, Saturday, quoted by Antara.

He said that the most urgent need at the Puskesmas at this time was the restoration of health facilities and infrastructure. Because, most of the supporting facilities for services can no longer be used because they are submerged in mud.

"What we need most is facilities and infrastructure. Many of our facilities are no longer there," he said.

He explained that the most crucial damage occurred in the inpatient room. Where, all patient beds and mattresses for treatment services were completely damaged due to being submerged in mud.

So, the treatment service cannot be implemented optimally. This condition, while forcing the Puskesmas to limit the types of services that can be provided to patients.

Not only that, a number of important medical devices were also reported to be severely damaged. Such as diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound and EKG that no longer work, then the vaccine refrigerator for immunization services is also affected.

As a result, immunization services and medical support examinations have practically stopped.

"All the tools were submerged in mud water. Many were damaged, including all the service computers," he said.

Even in the midst of limited facilities, said Darmawanti, the Peusangan Siblah Krueng Health Center is still trying to provide health services to the community gradually.

Emergency services are still being carried out by maximizing the functions of the Emergency Care Unit (UGD) and a number of priority service clusters, although not yet fully optimal.

In addition, to maintain the sustainability of immunization services, temporary vaccines are deposited at the nearest health facilities that are not affected by disasters.

"This step is taken so that infants and toddlers who need immunization can still be served," he said.

The absence of ambulances is also an urgent problem. In the post-disaster emergency, the mobilization of referral patients is very limited, thus increasing the risk of delays in medical treatment, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants and the elderly.

He hopes that the recovery can be carried out immediately so that public health services can return to normal.

"We continue to strive to improve services to the public and hope that this post-disaster condition can recover soon," said Darmawanti.