UNAIR RSKKA sends aid to Sumatra

Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again demonstrated its dedication to the nation. The Ksatria Airlangga Hospital Ship (RSKKA) is currently en route to Aceh Tamiang to support communities affected by widespread flooding and landslides across parts of Sumatra.

Prof Hery Purnobasuki, MSi, PhD, Head of the Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB), reported that the RSKKA Rapid Health Assessment team has coordinated closely with UNAIR Hospital. The team has secured a clinic to function as its operational base, offering both outpatient and inpatient care in Aceh Tamiang.

“Reports from our team in Aceh highlight urgent needs, including general physicians, nurses, midwives, nutrition staff, pharmacists, public health workers, university students, and logistical support. In response, we are deploying medical personnel equipped with essential supplies, generators, and additional fuel,” he said.

Preventing potential disease outbreaks

In distributing medical assistance, Prof Purnobasuki stated that UNAIR is working directly with the doctors assigned to RSKKA. The medical response will prioritize preventing illnesses that commonly emerge and spread following large-scale flooding, requiring early and proactive intervention.

“The diseases we are preparing for include diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis, which often arise from food contamination due to floodwater. We are also monitoring for leptospirosis transmitted through open wounds, mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria, acute respiratory infections, and various forms of skin irritation,” he explained.

Prof Purnobasuki added that although RSKKA continues humanitarian missions in other regions, the team has accelerated its emergency response by sending doctors ahead of the vessel. These physicians traveled by air to immediately assist residents affected by the floods and landslides in Sumatra.

“We hope this advance medical team can assess the community’s needs, provide an accurate overview of on-the-ground conditions, and support trauma care for survivors. RSKKA will focus especially on helping restore the local healthcare system until meaningful recovery begins to take shape,” he said.