Natuna Government Provides Maternity Waiting Home for Expectant Mothers

The Natuna Regency Government in the Riau Islands Province has provided a Maternity Waiting Home (RTK) as a temporary accommodation facility for pregnant women, especially those from the islands who require delivery services at the Regional Public Hospital (RSUD).

Head of the Natuna District Health Office Hikmat Aliansyah stated on Sunday that the facility can be utilised by patients who have undergone examinations at first-level health facilities and have been deemed to require further treatment at an advanced referral health facility, such as the RSUD.

“Pregnant women who live on the islands, or whose distance from the RSUD is far, can utilise this facility,” he said.

In addition to providing temporary accommodation, the local government also provides meal services for pregnant women while they are at the RTK in accordance with applicable regulations.

According to Hikmat, the existence of the RTK is expected to shorten the distance and travel time to the hospital, thereby minimising the risk of maternal and child mortality.

“So, pregnant women who experience complications or require treatment that cannot be handled at the community health centre can be referred to the RSUD and utilise the RTK,” he said.

Besides the RTK, the Natuna Regency Government also provides temporary accommodation for residents undergoing referral treatment at the RSUD. The facility is a mess owned by each sub-district and managed by the relevant work unit.

“For residents who are referred to the RSUD and do not have temporary accommodation, they can utilise their respective sub-district mess,” Hikmat said.