YPMAK Explores Cooperation with Hospitals in Java for Referral Patients

The Amungme and Kamoro Community Empowerment Foundation (YPMAK), which manages partnership funds from PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), has recently explored cooperation with a number of hospitals on Java to handle follow-up treatment (referrals) for patients from the seven tribes of Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

YPMAK Chairman Leonardus Tumuka said in Timika on Thursday that during a recent visit to Solo, Yogyakarta and Surabaya, the YPMAK management and Health Division carried out a series of activities, including the signing of a renewed cooperation agreement with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo regarding patient referrals for members of the seven tribes from Mimika.

“The cooperation with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo is a continuation of previous cooperation related to the handling of referral patients from Mimika Regency,” Leonardus explained.

During the trip to Java, YPMAK also explored cooperation with a number of other hospitals in Solo, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. These hospitals include Emirates Indonesia Cardiology Hospital in Solo, Dr Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta, UGM Academic Hospital, Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta, Panti Rapih Hospital Yogyakarta, and the Ministry of Health Hospital in Surabaya.

The initiative also aims to serve members of the seven tribes from Mimika who happen to be visiting their children studying in Java, as well as students and university students sent by YPMAK to study in various cities across Java.

“When parents happen to be on holiday or visiting their children there, or when YPMAK scholarship recipients fall ill, they can access health services at a number of hospitals that we have already partnered with or will partner with,” he explained.

Regarding the extension of cooperation with Dr. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital in Solo specifically, Leonardus said it was important to do so given the high demand for treatment of bone disorders, whether caused by accidents or other medical conditions.

“There are even patients who have received assistance for more than five years, and YPMAK will continue to accompany them until the treatment process is truly complete,” he said.

According to Leonardus, YPMAK’s support does not stop at sending patients to referral hospitals, but also includes assistance during the treatment period until the patient returns to their home region.

To date, YPMAK has established partnerships with more than 10 hospitals on Java, including in Jakarta, to handle referral patients from Mimika who are members of the seven tribes, as well as to treat scholarship students who fall ill.