Flores Quake: Surgeries Held in Emergency Tents, Health Minister Says
The presence of orthopedic specialists at the earthquake disaster site is essential for patients to receive prompt medical care in Flores, NTT.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin visited Ruteng Regional Hospital in East Nusa Tenggara on Tuesday, inspecting the earthquake-damaged facility where surgeries were being conducted in emergency tents. He spoke with 12-year-old Yosef, who suffered a broken femur after a house collapsed on him. Budi emphasized the urgency of Yosef's surgery, stating that without it, he risked becoming disabled and unable to pursue his passion for soccer.
Specialized orthopedic surgeons from various hospitals, including Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital in Surabaya, were brought in to treat the many fractures and traumas resulting from the quake. Budi expressed gratitude to the medical personnel assisting at the hospital, including teams from Sardjito Hospital, Ben Mboi Hospital, Hasanuddin University, and Dr. Soetomo Hospital.
To continue surgical operations, the Health Ministry is constructing a field hospital at Golo Dukal Stadium in Manggarai Regency, complete with an operating room. Plans are also underway to build a field hospital at Nagekeo Regional Hospital, both serving as referral centers temporarily unable to operate fully. Beyond hospitals, the ministry will mobilize health workers and volunteers to conduct village-level health surveys, identifying patients who require immediate care or referral to hospitals.
The Health Ministry is coordinating with local governments, hospitals, community health centers, universities, and networks to maintain medical services for earthquake-affected communities. Budi called for public support and prayers to ensure smooth patient care and rapid recoveries, enabling affected individuals to reunite with their families.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
