East Kalimantan Strengthens Health Workers To Handle Venomous Snakebites

Ria Sartika    Sunday, April 05, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan Strengthens Health Workers To Handle Venomous Snakebites

East Kalimantan strengthens healthcare capacity to handle venomous snakebites using WHO standards, ensuring antivenom availability across hospitals. (Illustration)

East Kalimantan Strengthens Healthcare Response To Snakebite Emergencies With WHO Standards

Samarinda — The East Kalimantan Provincial Health Office is strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers and volunteers to handle emergency cases caused by venomous snakebites. This effort is carried out through the implementation of standardized treatment protocols from the World Health Organization to ensure faster and more accurate patient care.

Head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, Jaya Mualimin, confirmed that antivenom stocks are currently secure and centrally available at the provincial level.

“We ensure that antivenom stock is fully available at the Health Office, allowing all hospitals in East Kalimantan to request it immediately for systemic cases after consultation,” he said in Samarinda on Saturday.

Cross-Agency Collaboration And National Expertise

The initiative is conducted in collaboration with the Samarinda Fire and Rescue Department through a hybrid training program. It also features clinical toxicology expert from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Tri Maharani.

A real case study from RSUD Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie was highlighted during the session. In late March, the hospital successfully treated a patient suffering from a severe neurotoxic snakebite, resulting in full recovery without permanent disability.

According to Jaya, the success was driven by strict adherence to medical standards, including immobilization, airway management, and timely administration of antivenom.

“The patient was even able to be weaned off a ventilator within two days, showing how critical proper procedures are,” he explained.

Antivenom Availability And Government Support

East Kalimantan currently relies on several specific antivenoms, including Polineuro Thailand, Polihemato Thailand, and Seasnake Australia. All supplies are provided as grants from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.

This availability plays a vital role in the regional referral system, ensuring that patients with severe conditions receive timely and effective treatment.

Public Education: Stay Calm And Avoid Myths

The Health Office also urges the public to remain calm when dealing with snakebite incidents. Proper first aid can significantly impact survival outcomes.

Tri Maharani emphasized that the first step is to minimize movement (immobilization), as venom spreads through the lymphatic system rather than the bloodstream.

“Common practices such as tightly tying the affected area, sucking the wound, or pouring hot water on it are dangerous myths and strictly discouraged,” she said.

She further advised the public to seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms such as drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or gum bleeding occur.

FAQ

1. What should you do if bitten by a snake?
Stay calm, immobilize the affected area, and seek immediate medical help.

2. Does snake venom spread through the bloodstream?
No, it primarily spreads through the lymphatic system.

3. Is it safe to suck out snake venom?
No, it is a harmful myth and should not be done.

4. Is antivenom available in East Kalimantan?
Yes, the Health Office ensures sufficient and accessible stock for hospitals.

5. When should you go to the hospital after a snakebite?
Immediately, especially if symptoms like weakness, difficulty breathing, or bleeding appear.

East Kalimantan Health Office Evaluates Accident Referral System Ahead of Eid Return Flow

Saputra Berry    Sunday, March 29, 2026    Comment   

East Kalimantan Health Office Evaluates Accident Referral System Ahead of Eid Return Flow

East Kalimantan evaluates its traffic accident referral system to prevent hospital overcrowding and improve emergency care during the Eid return travel surge.

Samarinda – The Health Office of East Kalimantan is tightening its evaluation of the referral system for traffic accident victims, especially ahead of the peak Eid homecoming return flow, which is known for a surge in incidents.

Head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, Jaya Mualimin, emphasized the importance of rapid coordination between hospitals to prevent patient overcrowding at a single medical facility.

“If a hospital receives the first patient, it must immediately communicate with other hospitals so victims can be redirected to the nearest available facility,” he said in Samarinda on Saturday.

Referral System Evaluation to Anticipate Patient Surges

This evaluation is being conducted in collaboration with hospital management across the region. The goal is to maintain the quality of emergency services, especially during mass traffic accidents.

According to Jaya, overcrowding at a single hospital can significantly impact the effectiveness of medical treatment and reduce victims’ chances of survival.

“If emergency services are not optimal, it can trigger negative public perception. That’s what we want to avoid,” he explained.

Strong Coordination Between Hospitals Is Key

The East Kalimantan Health Office stressed that communication between healthcare facilities must be fast, accurate, and continuous.

Primary healthcare units are required to ensure capacity readiness before accepting a large influx of emergency patients. The system is designed to evenly distribute patients and ensure faster treatment.

This policy was also based on findings from a previous accident case at a regional public hospital in Samarinda, where minor miscommunication occurred.

“Although there was some coordination issue, all victims were successfully evacuated and treated,” Jaya noted.

Preparing for the Eid Return Flow

To anticipate the return travel period, the Health Office has ensured that all healthcare facilities—from clinics to emergency units—are on full alert.

This effort involves multiple agencies, including:

• Regional Police of East Kalimantan

• Transportation Agency

• Toll road operators

Collaboration is reflected through the establishment of integrated health posts at accident-prone locations.

“All stakeholders are involved to ensure fast and coordinated responses in the field,” he added.

Main Focus: Safety and Rapid Response

With increased mobility during Eid, the risk of traffic accidents also rises. Therefore, an effective referral system plays a crucial role in saving lives.

The Health Office hopes this evaluation will minimize field constraints and ensure that every victim receives prompt and appropriate medical care.

FAQ

1. Why is the hospital referral system being evaluated?
To prevent overcrowding at a single hospital during mass accidents, which can delay treatment and increase fatality risks.

2. What is the main goal of this policy?
To ensure balanced patient distribution so medical services remain effective and responsive.

3. Which agencies are involved in this effort?
The Health Office, Police, Transportation Agency, and toll road operators.

4. When do traffic accident risks typically increase?
During Eid homecoming and return travel periods due to higher public mobility.

5. What happens if hospitals fail to coordinate?
It can lead to delayed treatment and reduced quality of emergency care.