{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1581995,
        "msgid": "permata-hati-primary-clinic-promotes-prevention-of-congenital-defects-from-preconception-stage-1772459912",
        "date": "2026-03-02 20:12:00",
        "title": "Permata Hati Primary Clinic Promotes Prevention of Congenital Defects from Preconception Stage",
        "author": "Sugeng",
        "source": "MEDIA_INDONESIA",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Permata Hati Primary Clinic has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing congenital defects through an integrated educational, preventive, and clinical service approach, particularly emphasising the critical preconception phase. The clinic's consultants stress that most risk factors for birth defects are modifiable, with adequate folic acid supplementation, management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and comprehensive health screening prior to conception proving significantly effective in reducing incidence rates. Through continuous education and preconception consultation programmes, the clinic aims to help prospective parents understand that healthy pregnancy results from planned preparation rather than chance.",
        "content": "<p>The World Birth Defects Day observance provides an important\nopportunity to increase public awareness that child health is not\ndetermined solely during pregnancy, but begins well before conception\noccurs.<\/p>\n<p>Permata Hati Primary Clinic has reaffirmed its commitment to\npromoting the prevention of congenital defects through an educational,\npreventive, and integrated clinical service approach.<\/p>\n<p>Congenital defects are abnormalities that occur during foetal\ndevelopment and can affect both the structure and function of a child\u2019s\nbody. These conditions encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from\ncongenital heart disease and nervous system disorders such as spina\nbifida, to genetic disorders including Down syndrome.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe impact is felt not only by the individual affected, but also\nplaces a long-term burden on families and the healthcare system,\u201d stated\nDr Aloysius Suryawan, Fetomaternal Consultant at Permata Hati Primary\nClinic.<\/p>\n<p>However, scientific evidence demonstrates that most risk factors for\ncongenital defects are modifiable. Interventions conducted during the\npreconception phase and early pregnancy have proven to play a\nsignificant role in reducing the incidence of birth abnormalities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The critical role of the preconception phase<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>According to Aloysius Suryawan, the period before pregnancy\nrepresents a crucial phase that is frequently overlooked. \u201cMany couples\nonly begin attending to their health once pregnancy has occurred.\nHowever, the preconception phase is actually an important window for\nintervention. Adequate folic acid intake, management of chronic diseases\nsuch as diabetes, and basic health screening can significantly reduce\nthe risk of congenital defects,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<p>He added that micronutrient deficiency, particularly folic acid, has\nlong been known to be associated with increased risk of neural tube\ndefects. Therefore, adequate supplementation before pregnancy represents\none of the most effective and evidence-based prevention strategies.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, maternal medical conditions such as uncontrolled\ndiabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases also contribute to\nincreased risk of foetal developmental disorders. The preconception\napproach allows optimisation of maternal health conditions before\npregnancy occurs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Comprehensive and multidimensional approach<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In line with this, Dr Zeus Suryawan, Obstetrician from Permata Hati\nPrimary Clinic, added that the prevention of congenital defects cannot\nbe conducted in isolation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFoetal development is influenced by various factors that interact\nwith one another. Maternal nutrition, maternal health status,\nenvironment, and daily lifestyle all play a role. Therefore, prevention\nmust be conducted comprehensively and continuously,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n<p>He explained that simple steps carried out consistently can yield\nsignificant impact. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><p>Consumption of folic acid before and during pregnancy<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Preconception health examinations<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Regular pregnancy check-ups<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Maintenance of healthy lifestyle patterns<\/p><\/li>\n<li><p>Avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and\nmedications without medical indication<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to Zeus, appropriate education will help the public\nunderstand that a healthy pregnancy is not a process that occurs by\nchance, but rather the result of planned preparation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The clinic\u2019s role in education and support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As a maternal and child health service facility, Permata Hati Primary\nClinic continues to develop services focused on prevention. Through\npreconception consultation programmes, antenatal examinations, and\ncontinuous education, the clinic seeks to provide comprehensive support\nto prospective mothers.<\/p>\n<p>This approach emphasises not only clinical aspects, but also\nenhancement of public health literacy. With better understanding,\ncouples are expected to make informed decisions regarding pregnancy\nplanning.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Investment for future generations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The effort to prevent congenital defects represents part of a\nlong-term investment in improving the quality of human resources. By\nreducing the risk of abnormalities from an early stage, it is hoped that\nchildren can grow and develop optimally.<\/p>\n<p>With the values of \u201cHealth, Love and Care\u201d, Permata Hati Primary\nClinic is committed to continuing to play an active role in supporting\nthe creation of a healthier generation through education, services, and\nsustained preventive approaches.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/permata-hati-primary-clinic-promotes-prevention-of-congenital-defects-from-preconception-stage-1772459912",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}