IDAI North Sumatra Holds XIV PCU and National Children's Day 2026: Encourage Research-Based Children's Heart Treatment

MEDAN - The Indonesian Pediatric Doctors Association (IDAI) North Sumatra held a prestigious scientific symposium, Pediatric Cardiology Update (PCU) XIV, which was coupled with the XVI IDAI North Sumatra Sustainable Medical Education (PKB).

The activity which took place on July 22-24, 2026 at the Santika Premiere Dyandra Hotel, Medan, carried the theme "From Bench to Bedside: Comprehensive Management for Cardiac Problems in Children" (From Laboratory to Clinical Services: Comprehensive Management for Cardiac Problems in Children).

This scientific conference was held as a form of IDAI's ongoing commitment to improving the quality of treatment and management of heart disease in children in Indonesia.

The Push for Direct Laboratory Research is Felt by Patients

The Chairman of the IDAI Central Board, Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A, Subsp. Kardio(K), emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientists and clinical practitioners to overcome the complexity of congenital heart disease (PJB) in children.

"We must ensure that every research finding and technological advancement in the laboratory can immediately be translated into tangible benefits on the patient's bed. This is the key to reducing the number of pain and death due to heart disease in children," said Dr. Piprim in his statement, Wednesday (23/7/2026).

He also highlighted the main challenges of pediatric cardiology services in Indonesia, namely the lack of access and the limited number of pediatric cardiology consultant specialists.

"Events like PCU are a vital platform for sharing the latest knowledge and skills, especially in early detection, emergency management, to the latest evidence-based interventions," he added.

Strengthening the Capacity of Doctors and Educating the Community

In line with this, the Chairman of IDAI North Sumatra, dr. Rizky Adriansyah, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A, Subsp. Kardio(K), said that this symposium presents national and international experts. The discussion includes cutting-edge medical imaging technologies such as Cardiac CT and MRI, pulmonary hypertension management, to heart failure in adolescents.

However, dr. Rizky reminded that the treatment of children's heart disease does not only focus on medical actions in hospitals.

"Challenges in the field also include educating the public about disease prevention, such as rheumatic fever which can damage children's heart valves," explained dr. Rizky.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the PCU XIV and PKB XVI IDAI North Sumatra Committee, dr. Hafaz Zakky Abdillah, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A, Subsp. Kardio(K), explained that the series of events was designed interactively and comprehensively. In addition to the plenary session, the committee held a workshop on practical practices and a scientific poster presentation session.

"We are taking a multidisciplinary approach, including discussion of special nutrition and neurological complications in patients with Congenital Heart Disease (PJB)," said dr. Hafaz.

Utilization of AI, Telemedicine, and the Launch of a Nutrition Guide

In the series of symposia, IDAI also highlighted the adaptation of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and telemedicine to bridge the gap in pediatric cardiology services in remote areas.

"We must use technology to bridge the service gap. This program prepares pediatricians to adapt to the progress of time, including using AI for diagnosis and remote monitoring," said Dr. Piprim.

The first day's scientific session featured international experts such as Dr. Leong Ming Chern from Malaysia who discussed the role of Cardiac CT and MRI, as well as Dr. Rahmat Budi Kuswiyanto who discussed post-interventional echocardiography.

The second day was filled with discussions on early management of infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonates (PPHN) with cardiologist Hasri Samion, MD.

In addition, IDAI officially launched the IDAI Nutrition Management Guide which was guided by dr. Hafaz Zakky Abdillah and dr. Yoga Devaera. This guide is a solution to the malnutrition problem often experienced by children with PJB.

National Children's Day 2026: Social Service at Lake Toba

As a conclusion to the series of events, IDAI North Sumatra held a celebration of the National Children's Day Summit (HAN) 2026 in Samosir Regency, North Sumatra, on Saturday (25/7/2026).

This activity was filled with social service activities and health screening for the community in the Lake Toba area. A total of 200 pediatric specialists were deployed to provide free health services to 600 children, including early screening for congenital heart disease.

This step is expected to reduce the infant mortality rate in Indonesia while increasing public awareness of the importance of early child health.