RSUD Dr.H Jusuf SK Tarakan Makes History In Kaltara, Successfully Operates The First Open Heart

SPECIAL PHOTOS

TARAKAN - Regional General Hospital (RSUD) dr. H. Jusuf SK in Tarakan City, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) recorded a new history. The reason is, this state-owned hospital first conducted a Toraks and Cardiovascular surgery program, or open heart surgery on Saturday 15 February.

RSUD dr. H. Jusuf SK is now the first hospital in the northern tip of Indonesia to have Surgeon Toraks and Cardiovascular facilities.

The Governor of Kaltara, Zainal Arifin Paliwang, represented by the Assistant for Government and People's Welfare, Datu Iqra, expressed his appreciation for the progress in the health and medical sector in Kaltara.

"On behalf of myself and the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, the Governor would like to express his deepest gratitude to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, medical personnel, and all parties who have played a role in the implementation of the first open heart surgery at RSUD Dr. H. Jusuf SK. Thank you for your extraordinary dedication in providing the best health services for the people of Kaltara," said datu Iqra, Monday, February 17.

Meanwhile, Acting (Plt) Director of RSUD dr. H. Jusuf SK, dr. Budy Aziz B., Sp.PK explained, the first open heart surgery was carried out on Friday (14/02/25) and Saturday (15/02/25) with five patients undergoing surgery, including two children.

"The open heart of these children is the first outside of big cities such as Jakarta, Semarang, and Surabaya," said Dr. Budy.

"Alhamdulillah, this inaugural Open Heart Surgery Operation activity has been successful, and the five patients who underwent the procedure showed very good progress after surgery," he continued.

This open heart surgery program is a continuation of the heart catheterization program which began in 2024.

"We continue to develop this program, thanks to the support of the Indonesian Ministry of Health. We also thank the Harapan Kita Heart Hospital, Srikandi Hospital, Abddoel Wahab Sjahranie Hospital, and all parties involved," he said.

The Director General of Advanced Health of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) Azhar Jaya through a virtual connection also expressed his pride in the achievement of RSUD dr. H. Jusuf SK.

He also emphasized his commitment to encourage every province in Indonesia to have heart surgery facilities in their respective provincial hospitals, in order to provide easy access to health services for the community.

"This historic moment is expected to reduce the dependence of the people of Kaltara on health facilities outside the region and provide easier and more affordable medical access," he said.