Deputy Health Minister Targets Gunung Sari Hospital in West Lombok to be Built by 2027

Deputy Minister of Health (Wamenkes) Benjamin Paulus Octavianus has targeted the construction of Gunung Sari Hospital in West Lombok to begin realisation in 2027. He stated that the project is currently in the planning and budgeting stage. “This is being designed. Yes, of course it can (2027),” he said while attending the 68th Anniversary of West Lombok on Friday (17/4/2026). Benjamin explained that the plan for building the hospital in the northern region of West Lombok has met various required criteria. Additionally, geographical factors are an important consideration. According to him, West Lombok’s position surrounding Mataram City makes the need for additional healthcare service facilities increasingly urgent. “It has been explained by the Regent to us. This is because of the geography and the need for additions,” he said. Besides the hospital, the Ministry of Health also plans to increase the number of Community Health Centres (Puskesmas) in West Lombok to expand service coverage. Benjamin explained that ideally, one Puskesmas serves around 30,000 residents. If the population reaches 60,000 people, an additional facility is needed. “Because on average, around 30,000 people require one Puskesmas. If 60,000, then build another one,” he clarified. On the other hand, Benjamin emphasised that the Ministry of Health is currently prioritising the construction of hospitals in areas that do not yet have such facilities. “We are now building hospitals in 66 districts in Indonesia that do not have them,” he asserted.