During the Inauguration of Tzu Chi Hospital, President Jokowi Stated: "If You're Sick, Just Go to Tzu Chi Hospital"
In line with the background of establishing Tzu Chi Hospital, the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, strongly encourages the public to seek treatment at Tzu Chi Hospital instead of going abroad. This is because, in addition to its high-tech concept, Tzu Chi Hospital also emphasizes high-touch principles that value the soul, prioritize life, and promote compassion.
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The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, inaugurated Tzu Chi Hospital located in Pantai Indah Kapuk, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, on June 14, 2023. This hospital, under the auspices of the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia, embodies the concepts of High Tech (advanced technology) and High Touch (humanistic care), featuring the first bone marrow transplant center in Indonesia.
The opening ceremony was also attended by members of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, including State Secretary Pratikno, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono, and the management team of the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia.
The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, conducted a direct inspection of various healthcare facilities provided by Tzu Chi Hospital, particularly the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Center and the Thalassemia Care Unit.
"I just finished touring to see the patient handling facilities, both related to cancer, thalassemia, and bone marrow transplantation. Everything I saw, the equipment, infrastructure, all very modern. I highly appreciate the construction of this hospital. A hospital with a capacity of 567 beds, equipped with state-of-the-art hospital facilities," President Joko Widodo said in his remarks after touring Tzu Chi Hospital.
"Of course, we all want to stay healthy, but if you ever get sick, don't go abroad. Just go to Tzu Chi Hospital," he asserted, accompanied by enthusiastic applause from the invited guests, volunteers, and donors.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, accompanied by ministers and Tzu Chi volunteers, signed the inauguration plaque of Tzu Chi Hospital on June 14, 2023.
Until now, almost one million Indonesians seek medical treatment abroad each year, predominantly in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, or Japan, for conditions like cancer, orthopedic issues, dental treatments, and cosmetic surgery, citing the perceived superiority of foreign medical equipment. This trend has resulted in Indonesia losing foreign exchange amounting to USD 11.5 billion or 170 trillion rupiah. However, President Jokowi now reassures that people no longer need to travel far for medical care as everything is available at Tzu Chi Hospital in Jakarta.
"Our doctors are just as skilled, but perhaps our equipment is lacking. That's why Tzu Chi Hospital has prepared such advanced and modern equipment, which I had the chance to see earlier. Hopefully, we can compete, and our citizens will opt for medical treatment within the country, preventing the annual loss of 170 trillion just for healthcare expenses alone. So now, let's refrain from taking money out and prevent capital outflow," emphasized President Joko Widodo. "Once again, I deeply appreciate the establishment of Tzu Chi Hospital. Let's hope that fewer of our citizens will seek medical treatment abroad."
Providing Internationally Standardized Healthcare Services
Sugianto Kusuma, Vice Chairman of the Tzu Chi Foundation Indonesia, expressed his delight at the direct support from the government in advancing welfare within the healthcare sector. He also emphasized that Tzu Chi Hospital would serve as a strategic partner for the government in implementing healthcare transformation and enhancing healthcare service capacity within the country. Tzu Chi Hospital prioritizes five exemplary services: bone marrow transplant center, palliative care, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, and pediatric care. These services are delivered with the support of both professional medical and non-medical personnel, reflecting a commitment to humanistic cultural values.
"With the scenario of many Indonesians seeking medical treatment abroad and a significant number of low-income individuals still lacking optimal healthcare services, there's a clear need for robust healthcare support facilities. Hopefully, we can achieve this vision of becoming an exemplary referral hospital and a beacon of excellence in the field of medicine," expressed Sugianto Kusuma.
The Bone Marrow Transplantation service, meeting international standards, was also launched alongside the inauguration of Tzu Chi Hospital. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin also commended the establishment of this service at Tzu Chi Hospital.
"The bone marrow transplantation is a crucial treatment for blood cancers such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Unfortunately, many children suffering from leukemia have had to seek treatment abroad in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand because Indonesia lacks adequate bone marrow transplantation facilities. In fact, when comparing data to countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, Indonesia falls short. That's why it's imperative for us to advocate for it," explained Budi Gunadi. "Therefore, the government wholeheartedly supports the provision of bone marrow transplantation services at Tzu Chi Hospital," he emphasized.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, along with his entourage, had the opportunity to visit the bone marrow transplantation service, which meets international standards and was inaugurated alongside Tzu Chi Hospital's official opening.
Various services are also supported by advanced equipment that is currently available, such as the Advanced 4D Cardiac MRI 3 Tesla, 4D CT-Scan 512 Slices, 3D Mammography, Robotic Rehabilitation, Elekta Linac Versa HD, PET/CT, and SPEC/CT, as well as Hybrid operating rooms equipped with CT-Scan and Robotic C-Arm, facilitating surgical procedures and enhancing patient safety.
To enhance comfort and safety for patients and their families, Tzu Chi Hospital offers a one-stop service concept. This allows patients to receive comprehensive care in one location, from registration and doctor consultations to payment and medication retrieval.
The presence of professional medical and non-medical personnel, supported by compassionate volunteers who embody Tzu Chi's humanistic culture and adhere firmly to the values of Sincerity, Integrity, Faith, and Diligence, aims to achieve healthcare services equivalent to those provided abroad.
Realization of Tzu Chi's Universal Compassion for Indonesia
"Emotions of joy, gratitude, and awe beautifully color this historic day. Tzu Chi Hospital, furthermore, symbolizes the heartfelt intention of every Tzu Chi member as a contribution and commitment to the nation and its people - to provide a hospital that combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, focusing on the well-being of patients."
"It's an immensely joyful occasion for us as the Tzu Chi community has devoted their energy and compassion to construct this compassionate hospital. The President rightly emphasized Indonesia's need for it in his speech. With our skilled doctors and top-notch equipment, we hope to treat all illnesses here," expressed Franky O. Widjaja, Vice Chairman of Tzu Chi Indonesia, smiling throughout the inauguration of Tzu Chi Hospital. "We're committed to continual improvement. Every mention of Tzu Chi Hospital by the President reaffirms our belief in the doctors' ability to grow and excel," he further elaborated.
Liu Su Mei, Chairperson of Tzu Chi Indonesia, extends her deepest gratitude to all Tzu Chi volunteers and the wider community for their support in the construction of Tzu Chi Hospital. The hospital stands as a testament to the collective compassion of numerous individuals.
"The four missions of Tzu Chi have been accomplished at Tzu Chi Center. Tzu Chi Indonesia has also reached its 30th anniversary this year, which is why we must aim for greater strides. Over the past three decades, we have amassed a wealth of experience and resources. These thirty years represent one stage; we must now progress further, aiming for even higher standards," Liu Su Mei conveyed.
To foster a sense of comfort and security for patients, Tzu Chi Hospital provides care founded on compassion and backed by state-of-the-art facilities. One such example is the inclusion of a 3 Tesla MRI, which is anticipated to streamline the process of diagnosing internal irregularities for patients, allowing the medical team to respond promptly and accurately.
Indeed, Tzu Chi Hospital has been running for two years, initially providing healthcare services for COVID-19 patients on June 14, 2021. Later, services for general patients began on October 1, 2021. However, two of the five flagship services, namely spinal cord bone marrow transplantation and inpatient palliative care, are not yet fully operational.
With the official opening of Tzu Chi Hospital today, all five flagship services—Spinal Cord Bone Marrow Transplantation, Palliative Care, Neurosurgery, Cancer Treatment, and Maternal and Child Care—are now fully operational.
"The bone marrow transplantation and palliative care services are officially inaugurated during this grand opening, but their full operation may be delayed as we need to ensure sterility in the area after numerous visits. Hence, operational readiness will take some time. Currently, preparations are underway, and patients for bone marrow transplantation are already in the process," clarified Dr. Gunawan Susanto, Chief Executive Officer of Tzu Chi Hospital.
On this historic day, Stephen Huang, an advisor to Tzu Chi International, graces the occasion. He serves as a witness to the journey of Tzu Chi Indonesia, from its beginnings to its remarkable achievement of Tzu Chi's four primary missions thus far.
"On this day, I am profoundly touched and grateful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Master Cheng Yen for sending me to Indonesia in 1996. Master Cheng Yen frequently acknowledges the dedication and perseverance of Tzu Chi members in Indonesia, yet reminds us to continually strive for improvement. She hopes that our foundation will be fortified, deeply rooted, and extended further," he concluded.
Text: Editorial Team
Photo: Anand Yahya, Arimami Suryo A., Documentation by Tzu Chi Hospital
Translator: Vissia (Tzu Chi School)
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