North Kalimantan Continue "Flying Doctors" Services In Deep

Medical officers conducted an examination of residents in the "flying doctor" health care program in the interior of Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. (ANTARA)

TANJUNG SELOR - The Provincial Government of North Kalimantan continues the implementation of the North Kalimantan Flying Doctor Service Program or Pro Lantera KU to provide free health services to residents living in remote areas in 2023.

"The 'flying doctor' activity or so-called Pro Lantera KU continues to serve the remote community or 3T area, leading, lagging behind, and outermost," said Head of the North Kalimantan Provincial Health Office, Usman, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 3.

During 2023, "flying doctors" services are planned to reach the Sei Menggaris, West Krayan, Lumbis Ogong, and West Sebatik sub-districts in Nunukan Regency as well as Long Berang and Long Ampung sub-districts in Malinau Regency.

"On January 26, 2023, we have taken part in the Sei Menggaris area to screen (checks) for non-communicable diseases. We have sent out pediatricians, internal medicine specialists, as well as obstetrician and gynecologist specialists," said Usman.

Furthermore, the "flying doctors" service is scheduled to reach West Krayan on February 8, Long Berang on February 23, Lumbis Ogong on March 8, West Sebatik on April 5, and Long Ampung on May 10, 2023.

During 2022, the Provincial Government of North Kalimantan disbursed IDR 381.9 million for the implementation of the "flying doctor" service program.

A total of 652 residents get free health services in the implementation of the program.

Usman said that the "flying doctors" service program is run to provide services to residents living in areas with limited access to health services.

"Some areas of reach can only be accessed by pioneer planes. Some can only be accessed by boat. The challenges are not easy. But the friends involved never give up," said Usman.