Flores Quake: Surgeries Held in Emergency Tents, Health Minister Says
August 19, 2026 | 02:27 pm TEMPO. CO, Jakarta - Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin inspected healthcare services at Ruteng Regional Hospital in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara ( NTT ), on. . .
August 19, 2026 | 02:27 pmTEMPO. CO, Jakarta- Minister of HealthBudi GunadiSadikin inspected healthcare services at Ruteng Regional Hospital in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The facility sustained earthquake damage, forcing patient care, including surgical procedures, into emergency tents temporarily. During his visit, Budi reviewed several earthquake victims, including 12-year-old Yosef, who suffered a broken femur when a neighbor's house collapsed on him. Budi stated that Yosef needed immediate surgery to prevent his injury from causing disability. "If he doesn't have surgery, he could be disabled later in his recovery. He won't be able to play soccer anymore. He loves playing soccer and wants to play for the national team," Budi said. Budi confirmed that Yosef received treatment from a team of orthopedic specialists mobilized to bolster services at Ruteng Regional Hospital. The team includes specialists from Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital in Surabaya, supported by medical personnel from several other hospitals and educational institutions. According to Budi, fractures and trauma were among the most widespread health problems encountered following the earthquake. Therefore, the presence of orthopedic specialists was necessary to ensure patients received prompt medical treatment. "We are grateful to our colleagues from the hospitals who have come to help. Personnel from Sardjito Hospital, Ben Mboi Hospital, Hasanuddin University, and Dr. Soetomo Hospital are specifically assisting at Ruteng Regional Hospital," he said. To ensure surgical procedures can still be performed, the Ministry of Health is constructing a field hospital at Golo Dukal Stadium in Manggarai Regency. This facility will be equipped with an operating room so surgical services can continue even though the main building of Ruteng Regional Hospital is damaged. In addition to Ruteng, the Ministry of Health is preparing to build a field hospital at Nagekeo Regional Hospital. Both facilities serve as referral healthcare centers affected by the earthquake and cannot operate at full capacity. "Because the hospital is currently unsafe for use, we are building a field hospital. There, doctors will be able to perform surgeries effectively," Budi said. He explained that post-earthquakehealthcare will not focus only on hospitals. The Ministry of Health will also step up the mobilization of health workers and volunteers to conduct health surveys in affected areas down to the village level. Health teams will visit community health centers (Puskesmas) and affected villages to identify people needing immediate care, including patients who must be treated or referred to hospitals. "We urgently need to send volunteer teams to all community health centers in North Flores to conduct field surveys in all villages and identify patients who need immediate care and referral to hospitals," Budi said. The Ministry of Health continues to coordinate with local governments, hospitals, community health centers, universities, and healthcare networks to maintain medical services for the earthquake-affected community. The mobilization of specialist doctors, the construction of temporary healthcare facilities, and community health surveys form part of broader efforts to accelerate the recovery of post-disaster medical services. Budi also asked for public support and prayers so that patient care, including surgery for those in need, can run smoothly so they can recover quickly and reunite with their families. 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