Government inaugurates first specialist medical education programme in Papua
Jakarta - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) has officially launched the Specialist Doctor Education Programme (PPDS) in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care at Cenderawasih University (Uncen) in Jayapura, aimed at addressing the disparity in medical personnel in Indonesia’s easternmost region.
The launch represents part of the government’s national acceleration programme. Using the Academic Health System (SKA) approach, the programme aims to accelerate the provision of specialist doctors by establishing programmes in 11 provinces that have not previously had them, including Papua.
“The establishment of this programme of study requires follow-up through identifying local talent and providing support via bonded scholarship schemes,” said Setiawan, Secretary of the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) of Kemdiktisaintek, in a statement released in Jakarta on Sunday.
He stressed that this effort serves to support realisation of the vision for a Golden Indonesia 2045 by improving access to and quality of healthcare services for all segments of society.
Setiawan further stated that the ministry remains committed to quality assurance through regular evaluation involving the Independent Accreditation Body for Higher Health Education Institutions in Indonesia (LAM-PTKes), the Association of Medical Education Institutions in Indonesia (AIPKI), the Indonesian Medical Professors’ Council (MGBKI), programme study associations, and collegiums.
As the sponsoring university, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta will continue to ensure the quality of graduates from the PPDS programme at Cenderawasih University.
Meanwhile, Uncen Rector Oscar Oswald O. Wambrauw stated his institution’s commitment to implementing the programme. He also encouraged collaboration with local government to establish special quotas for local candidates to enable them to serve in the long term.
Full support also came from the local government. Papua’s Deputy Governor, Aryoko Alberto Ferdinand Rumaropen, emphasised the urgency of the programme.
“This need is very important because many surgical procedures have been delayed due to the absence of anaesthesia specialists. This is the first specialist medical education programme in Papua, enabling education to be conducted on local soil. In line with its spirit, this education simultaneously helps improve healthcare delivery,” Aryoko said.