APAU KAYAN - North Kalimantan (Kaltara) Deputy Governor (Wagub), Ingkong Ala, directly reviewed the condition of the Pratama Long Ampung Hospital in South Kayan District, Malinau Regency, during a working visit to the Apau Kayan border area on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
During the review, Ingkong found various fundamental problems that hindered optimal health services. The D-type hospital building was seen to have suffered damage in a number of parts, especially on the ceiling in the inpatient area which was severely damaged, so as to potentially disrupt the comfort and safety of patients.
"This is very worrying. Hospitals in border areas should be the spearhead of health services, but the condition is not yet suitable," said Ingkong Ala.
He emphasized that his party would encourage the acceleration of facility improvements and the fulfillment of medical personnel through cross-government coordination, including with the central government.
"Regarding the ceiling that has been damaged, this is a technical construction problem. It should not have happened if it was done well from the beginning," he said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the Administrative Affairs of the Long Ampung Pratama Hospital, dr. Hendra, revealed that health services at the hospital had been running since 2017. However, until now, its status is still as a first-level health facility (FKTP) BPJS, equivalent to a health center.
"The service has been running since 2017 with the status of BPJS as FKTP. This means it is still equivalent to a health center," he explained.
He said that the limitation of medical personnel was the main obstacle, especially since there were only two general practitioners without the support of specialist doctors. This condition is exacerbated by the 24-hour hospital operation. "There are only two general practitioners, while there are no specialists," he said.
He admitted that the workload of medical personnel was not proportional to the number of personnel and allowance schemes that were still equated with health centers. "Hospitals operate 24 hours a day, while the number of doctors is limited. Allowance is still equated with health centers," he said.
He added that the Long Ampung Pratama Hospital, which has 13 nurses and five midwives, supports health services in border areas that have high geographical challenges.
The issue of infrastructure is also a serious obstacle. The unstable electricity supply makes a number of health equipment often damaged.
"Electricity still relies on generators and PLTS. The PLN network has not entered, so it has an impact on medical equipment that is often damaged," said dr. Hendra.
In addition, several parts of the hospital building need renovation to be usable for services.
Regarding the "flying doctor" program from the Kaltara Health Service, he admitted that the program had been implemented, but it was not running regularly.
"There was, but only occasionally in the last few years, maybe one to two times. The service is only one day," said Dr. Hendra.
"We hope that the local government will immediately take concrete steps so that people in border areas can access decent and sustainable health services," he concluded.
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