Government Strengthens National Medical Facilities and Workforce Through MeRC UPR

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is accelerating the development of national medical facilities and personnel by inaugurating the Medical Learning and Research Center (MeRC) at Palangka Raya University (UPR) in Central Kalimantan on Thursday (5/3). The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Wamendiktisaintek), Fauzan, stated that the inauguration of this modern medical research facility is part of a national strategy to meet Indonesia’s doctor needs. Meanwhile, the Rector of UPR, Salampak, said that the MeRC building, financed by State Sharia Securities (SBSN), will become a centre of excellence focused on Kalimantan’s natural resources. ‘The MeRC building is designed not only for the Faculty of Medicine but can be accessed by all study programmes and external partners. Our research focus is on tropical diseases, health in peatlands and swamps in line with UPR’s Core Scientific Pattern (Pola Ilmiah Pokok, or PIP), and the development of bio-pharmaceuticals. The facility will also be a major enabler for us to immediately open the Specialist Medical Education Programme (PPDS) and the pharmacist profession,’ he said. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, Edy Pratowo, welcomed the inauguration as a strong synergy between the centre and the region in producing outstanding human resources. He emphasised the provincial government’s commitment to supporting medical students so that cost will not impede them. ‘The Provincial Government of Central Kalimantan fully supports UPR’s development through various programs, including One Family One Scholar with a target of 10,000 students through financial assistance for education and scholarships. We are also preparing the construction of a facility for obstetric specialists at Doris Sylvanus Regional General Hospital (RSUD Doris Sylvanus) to support the clinical training of our medical students,’ Edy Pratowo said. The inauguration concluded with the unveiling of a plaque and a tour of the MeRC laboratory facilities, which are hoped to become a new locomotive for advances in science and health technology in Central Indonesia.