AGAM, WEST SUMATRA —-— Dompet Dhuafa, through its Central Java Branch and the Health Emergency Response Team (RDK) of the Free Health Service (LKC) South Sumatra Branch, provided medical services to communities affected by landslides and flash floods in Tantaman, Palembayan District, Agam Regency. The RDK LKC team also collaborated with Brawijaya University and Disaster Response Pharmacists from the Indonesian Pharmacists Association. The health services available at the Medical Post include free health checks and treatment, health screenings (blood sugar, uric acid, and cholesterol checks), and home visits to residents’ homes.
The home visit service was provided due to the many landslide-prone areas in the Tantaman region. This made it difficult for some residents to access the Dompet Dhuafa Medical Post located at the Tantaman Health Center. For this reason, the medical team, consisting of doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, took the initiative to visit each patient’s home.
“The location is not accessible because there are landslides in several areas, making it difficult for patients to come to the medical post. That is why we take the initiative to visit patients’ homes,” said Ardiansyah from the RDK LKC Sumsel Team.
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Some elderly patients have limited access because they can only sit or lie down at home. One of them is M (83), who has a history of left leg amputation. He needs regular wound care, while he lives alone. On normal days, M always depends on neighbors who are willing to help him. When Dr. Kenni Satria observed M, the wound on his leg was only covered with a makeshift bandage.
“The wound was covered with a bandage that was not very hygienic, so there was a potential for infection in the future. Then we cleaned the wound and covered it with sterile gauze and a band-aid to protect it. Later, follow-up care will be provided by the local midwife,” explained Dr. Kenni.
In post-disaster conditions, it is important for the community to receive initial treatment so that they can be referred to further health facilities. Therefore, epidemiological information on diseases is very important for medical personnel to prepare appropriate treatment. Collaboration between LKC Sumsel and the health information center in Palembang is very necessary so that treatment and the availability of medicines are in accordance with the data in the field.
The Ministry of Health’s Crisis Center (Puskris Kemenkes) in West Sumatra has released a list of the 10 most common diseases found in the community. These range from respiratory infections, muscle pain, and flu to stomach acid. However, entering the second month after the disaster, the potential for an increase in environment-based diseases has begun to emerge, such as diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, measles, diphtheria, and pertussis. This potential can be prevented by providing a clean evacuation environment and adequate water and sanitation. In addition, regular monitoring of environmental conditions by medical personnel is necessary.
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To facilitate this monitoring, Dompet Dhuafa has assigned medical assistance from LKC South Sumatra since December 6, 2025. Subsequently, medical services will be continued by the LKC East Java team.
Dompet Dhuafa, through LKC, is opening up opportunities for collaboration with all parties and segments of society to support access to healthcare for flood survivors in Sumatra. Friends, let’s unite in solidarity so that Sumatra can recover and rise again through PRAY FOR SUMATERA. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Fitin Agustin
Editors: Ronna, Dhika