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| Governor Ria Norsan Pushes for Better Heart Care in West Kalimantan Through Fellowship and RSPPU Programs at dr. Soedarso Hospital. |
Pontianak – The Governor of West Kalimantan, Drs. H. Ria Norsan, M.M., M.H., reaffirmed his strong commitment to improving regional healthcare by fully supporting the Heart Fellowship Program and the Main Teaching Hospital (RSPPU) initiative at dr. Soedarso Regional Hospital in Pontianak. His support was expressed during the official visit of the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s cardiology study program on Tuesday (October 28, 2025).
The event was also attended by the Director General of Health Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, dr. Yuli Farianti, M.Epid. Her presence marked an important moment for both the provincial government and medical professionals in West Kalimantan, as they work together to strengthen the region’s cardiac care services — a crucial effort given that heart and vascular diseases remain among the leading causes of death in Indonesia.
Strengthening Regional Healthcare Services
In his remarks, Governor Norsan emphasized that the establishment of the fellowship and RSPPU programs is a strategic step toward improving the region’s healthcare referral system.
“We are very committed. A few months ago, we only discussed the RSPPU plan, and Alhamdulillah, now it’s being realized with the support of the Ministry of Health and the cardiology college. Soon, these doctors will be assigned to districts so that people can receive faster and easier medical care,” said Norsan.
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| Governor Ria Norsan Pushes for Better Heart Care in West Kalimantan Through Fellowship and RSPPU Programs at dr. Soedarso Hospital. |
He also expressed hope that the program assessment process will run smoothly, allowing dr. Soedarso Hospital to officially launch its fellowship and RSPPU programs. According to him, this initiative not only enhances healthcare facilities but also helps develop the skills and competencies of local medical professionals.
“With this program, West Kalimantan residents won’t have to travel outside the province for treatment. Services will become faster, more accurate, and of higher quality. Hopefully, this marks a major step in transforming healthcare services in our province,” he added.
Reducing the Habit of Seeking Treatment Abroad
Governor Norsan also addressed the long-standing habit of some West Kalimantan residents who prefer to seek medical treatment in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. He hopes that with better facilities and more trained doctors at dr. Soedarso Hospital, locals will trust domestic healthcare services more.
“Hopefully, with this program, our heart care services will be more optimal and our hospitals will be ready to handle patients suffering from heart attacks,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the Indonesian College of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine for entrusting dr. Soedarso Hospital as one of the teaching hospitals under the national program.
“I hope dr. Soedarso Hospital continues to grow and meet the needs of our people. West Kalimantan truly needs more medical specialists, especially in remote areas. We also hope the central government will support the placement of specialists across the province,” he concluded.
Expanding Access to Specialists Across the Region
Meanwhile, dr. Yuli Farianti, M.Epid, Director General of Health Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the fellowship program is crucial for improving the distribution of medical specialists across West Kalimantan.
“Heart disease cases are very high in this region. That’s why we are accelerating the establishment of fellowship centers — to upgrade doctors’ skills so they can be assigned to areas that lack specialists,” explained dr. Yuli.
She added that through this hospital-based program, residents no longer need to travel far to Jakarta or even abroad for cardiac treatment.
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| Governor Ria Norsan Pushes for Better Heart Care in West Kalimantan Through Fellowship and RSPPU Programs at dr. Soedarso Hospital. |
“This program ensures easier access, equal service quality, and lower costs. It’s a big step forward, especially for people living in remote parts of West Kalimantan,” she added.
At the end of the visit, Governor Ria Norsan and dr. Yuli Farianti personally inspected the cardiac facilities and equipment at dr. Soedarso Hospital — a tangible commitment to improving cardiac care services for the people of West Kalimantan.