SOUTH SULAWESI – The journey of fighting cancer is not an easy one, especially for those living in remote areas with limited access to health facilities. The family of Mr. Arman, a buli (bladder) cancer fighter from Besoangin, Tutar District, Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi, has faced this challenge for almost two years.
Thanks to the support of various parties and the free ambulance service from Dompet Dhuafa South Sulawesi, now Mr. Arman and his family can finally return to their hometown after undergoing intensive treatment in Makassar.
In many remote areas of Sulawesi, access to health facilities is still a major obstacle for the community. Long distances from hospitals, lack of public transportation, and limited funds, often make patients have to delay or even ignore treatment. Under certain conditions, traveling to health facilities can take hours to days with difficult terrain.
This was experienced first-hand by Mr. Arman, who had to leave his hometown of Polman and stay at Dompet Dhuafa’s Shelter of Hope in Makassar in order to receive medical treatment. For two years undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, he and his family faced various ups and downs, but still persevered for his recovery.
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For patients and families who come from remote areas, Shelter Harapan is not just a temporary place to stay. It is a place of hope for patients who are struggling with their illnesses. They not only get a place to rest, but also moral support, food, free health services, and access to transportation in the form of free ambulances to the hospital.
“From a material point of view, I don’t know what to do if I have to pay for a place to stay in Makassar or the cost of traveling for treatment myself. But Alhamdulillah, the patient shelter and free ambulance really helped us in the treatment process in Makassar. Thank you to Dompet Dhuafa and all the donors who have helped us,” said Mr. Arman with gratitude, Thursday (30/01/2025/).
After struggling for two years, Mr. Arman was finally able to return to his hometown in Polman with his wife and child. His return cannot be separated from the free ambulance assistance provided by Dompet Dhuafa South Sulawesi, which helps patients from remote areas to get better access to health.
However, there are still many other patients who suffer a similar fate. They need help so that they can get proper treatment without having to be burdened with expensive transportation costs. Dompet Dhuafa’s free ambulance service is a real solution for those in need, providing hope for health fighters in remote areas of the country.
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Dompet Dhuafa South Sulawesi Branch Manager, Pandu Heru Satrio, emphasized the importance of this service for the community. He said that Dompet Dhuafa is committed to continuing to provide better access to health for those in need. Many patients from remote areas face great challenges in getting medical treatment. With this free ambulance service, it hopes to ease their burden and help more people in need.
“Without the support of our donors, this program would not be possible. We invite the entire community to share kindness and be part of this change. Every contribution given, no matter how small, will mean a lot to the patients who are struggling to heal,” said Pandu.
This free ambulance service is clear evidence that social care and solidarity can have a big impact on those in need. With more support from the community, this service is expected to reach more patients in remote areas of Sulawesi who are still experiencing difficulties in getting access to health.
Dompet Dhuafa invites the entire community to continue to contribute in supporting this service so that more patients can be helped. With mutual care, we can be part of their journey to recovery. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika