RESPON MEDIS MUHAMMADIYAH PASIGALA (Palu, Sigi, Donggala)

Summary

Following the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction in Sulawesi, Muhammadiyah's Disaster Management Center (MDMC) provided critical medical support to affected communities. Their efforts included setting up health posts, establishing mobile clinics, and providing care at Siti Fadila Clinic, which will become a hospital. In collaboration with local health teams and international partners, MDMC also focused on capacity building through training programs for local health workers. Their holistic response, grounded in Islamic humanitarian principles, aims to ensure sustainable healthcare in the region, with continued support from both local and international stakeholders.

Takeaways

• 😀 MDMC played a central role in responding to the disaster caused by the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction in Central Sulawesi, particularly in Palu, Donggala, and Sigi.
• 😀 MDMC's medical response began from day H+2 or H+3 after the disaster, covering emergency response, transition phases, and recovery stages.
• 😀 Key medical services provided by MDMC included health screenings at health posts (Posan), medical treatment at Siti Fadila clinic, and mobile clinics to reach remote areas.
• 😀 Local health workers, including village midwives and nurses, collaborated with MDMC teams to provide essential care, especially for conditions like diarrhea and hypertension.
• 😀 MDMC focused on strengthening the local health system by offering capacity-building training for healthcare workers at Puskesmas (community health centers).
• 😀 The collaboration with Australian partners and local health authorities, including Dinas Kesehatan (Provincial Health Office), was crucial in enhancing the disaster response efforts.
• 😀 MDMC's intervention helped restore normal health services at health posts and community clinics, even after their departure from the area.
• 😀 MDMC’s approach was in alignment with the Ministry of Health's strategies for improving disaster health response, focusing on preparedness and response planning at local health centers.
• 😀 Ongoing partnerships with Muhammadiyah hospitals and local health organizations were vital for ensuring continuous medical services in affected areas.
• 😀 MDMC emphasized the integration of Islamic values in healthcare services, aiming to provide quality care with a focus on spiritual and scientific principles.
• 😀 The MDMC's medical efforts were supported by comprehensive disaster management plans that integrated technological advancements and scientific knowledge into their healthcare services.

Q & A

What natural disasters impacted Sulawesi Tengah, particularly Palu, and what were the immediate responses?

The natural disasters that impacted Sulawesi Tengah were an earthquake, followed by a tsunami and liquefaction. The response was initiated by the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) through various health services and recovery efforts, starting from the emergency phase (H+2 or H+3) and continuing into recovery.

What role did MDMC play in disaster response in Palu?

MDMC played a critical role in the disaster response by providing health services, managing health posts, offering mobile clinics, and coordinating medical teams for emergency and recovery phases. Their support was crucial in areas like Palu, Donggala, and Sigi.

What specific healthcare services were provided by MDMC in the affected areas?

MDMC provided health services through health posts (Posan) in Palu, Donggala, and Sigi, managed medical clinics like Siti Fadila, and deployed mobile clinics to reach remote areas. These services included general health check-ups, treatment for illnesses like diarrhea, hypertension, and other medical needs.

How did MDMC's support impact local healthcare teams?

MDMC's support strengthened the local healthcare teams by collaborating with Puskesmas (community health centers) and providing additional resources. Their efforts helped local medical teams continue delivering essential services after MDMC's departure, ensuring healthcare returned to normal.

What training and capacity-building efforts were made by MDMC in response to the disaster?

MDMC conducted training and capacity-building activities in collaboration with local health authorities and international partners like DEVAT Australia. These training programs aimed to enhance the capabilities of health workers in responding to future disasters.

What role did the local government and health authorities play in the disaster response?

Local health authorities, including the Dinas Kesehatan (Health Department) of Sulawesi Tengah, were instrumental in the coordination of disaster response. Their collaboration with MDMC and other partners ensured a more effective health response, including the development of disaster response plans for Puskesmas.

What is the significance of disaster response planning at the Puskesmas level?

Disaster response planning at the Puskesmas level is crucial because Puskesmas serve as the first line of medical care during emergencies. By having a disaster response plan, Puskesmas can more effectively manage health crises and coordinate with other sectors during a disaster.

How did the training efforts align with the Ministry of Health's disaster response strategy?

The training efforts were aligned with the Ministry of Health's strategy, particularly the Crisis Health Center's initiative to strengthen disaster response capacities at the local level. This included providing training to health personnel in Kabupaten and Kota (district and city) to better handle health crises.

What is the long-term impact of MDMC's support on healthcare in the affected areas?

The long-term impact of MDMC's support includes the establishment of more robust healthcare infrastructure, the development of disaster preparedness plans, and the enhancement of local healthcare teams' capacity to respond to future emergencies. This has led to improved resilience and ongoing medical support in the affected areas.

What is the vision of MDMC for healthcare service delivery post-disaster?

MDMC's vision for post-disaster healthcare service delivery is to provide high-quality, Islamic-based healthcare with advanced technology. They aim to deliver healthcare services that are scientifically valid and ethically sound, with a focus on compassion and service.