Central Sulawesi Intensifies 'Berani Cerdas' Programme to Boost Specialist Doctor Numbers

The Provincial Government of Central Sulawesi is continuing to intensify the Berani Cerdas programme through the provision of scholarships and educational assistance to increase the distribution of medical specialists in the region.

“Every time I visit the regions, especially the most remote areas such as Banggai Laut Regency and Banggai Kepulauan, the need for medical specialists is very urgent,” said Deputy Governor of Central Sulawesi Dr Reny Arniwaty Lamadjido in Palu on Saturday.

In view of this situation, the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, together with Tadulako University and other relevant agencies, is continuing its efforts to implement the Berani Cerdas programme, one aspect of which is directed towards specialist medical education.

On that occasion, she reminded that the major idea of producing additional medical specialist graduates should be realised this year together with the universities involved, so that the Berani Cerdas programme budget for specialist medical education can be optimally absorbed.

“If we can do it this year, then the funds for the Berani Cerdas programme in the field of specialist medical education can be utilised to the maximum,” said the adviser to the Central Sulawesi branch of the Indonesian Medical Association for the 2018–2021 period.

Meanwhile, Tadulako University, particularly the relevant faculty, has welcomed the Berani Cerdas programme, one focus of which is specialist medical education.

She said that the Berani Cerdas programme currently accommodates the surgery and internal medicine study programmes. In the future, the local government will expand the scope by adding obstetrics and gynaecology study programmes.

The plan to add obstetrics and gynaecology study programmes to the Berani Cerdas programme is driven by the shortage of human resources (health workers) with competence in these fields.

“This is very important to ensure the availability of adequate medical personnel, especially in anticipating various emergency situations in the field,” she said.

For information, the Berani Cerdas programme is one of the flagship initiatives of the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government, prioritising equal access to education, including free schooling, assistance with uniforms, shoes, educational development contribution fees, and higher education scholarships for children from underprivileged families.