Maksum Nur Fauzan

One hundred and eleven doctors have joined a voluntarily healthcare program in Surakarta to give the poor people of the city – which President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo used to be the mayor of – free medical treatment.

The program was conducted by the Surakarta Red Cross (PMI) in cooperation with Sebelas Maret University’s (UNS) School of Medicine. It kicked off in December 2017 with health care events held twice a week. Since March 2018, field events have been held just once a week.

The doctors visited slum areas of the city and worked together with the neighborhood unit caretakers to not only treat sick people but, more importantly, to disseminate information on personal health care.

Many people felt blessed with the service offered by the volunteers. Mbah (grandmother) Sanem, 64, is one of the people getting free medical help.

Heri Supriyanto, who is in charge of treasury affairs, said the activity had given the poor better access to health care. [yan]