Photo: The limited access to larger healthcare facilities frequently causes the residents of Subur and Aiwat Villages to neglect their health conditions.
BOVEN DIGOEL – For communities residing along the banks of the Digoel River, particularly in the Subur and Aiwat Villages of the Subur District, limited access to major healthcare facilities, such as regional hospitals, frequently leads residents to neglect medical conditions that require immediate attention.
Furthermore, the humid environmental conditions and poor sanitation in the coastal areas significantly impact public health, leading to the emergence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and skin irritations, which are common complaints among the community.
“Merely visiting a doctor is not a simple task for the people here. The transportation route, which relies solely on the river, combined with extensive travel times, often serves as the primary barrier. Due to our village’s coastal location, accessing adequate healthcare is indeed quite challenging,” stated the administrator of Subur Village, Xaverius Aute.
This concern drew the attention of PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (PT BCA), which subsequently organized a free healthcare service program. During the visit, the medical team from the PT BCA Clinic, led by Dr. Rizal Irsan, provided care not only to adults but also to toddlers and the elderly.
“The medical procedures we conduct include general health examinations, followed by the provision of medication corresponding to the patients’ complaints. Through early medical interventions such as this, we aim to prevent the development of more chronic diseases in the future. It is our hope that the community here remains in good health,” Dr. Rizal recently stated.
Photo: The medical services provided encompass general health examinations and the distribution of medication for the elderly, adults, and children.
The local community acknowledged that the provision of free medical services by the company has yielded numerous positive impacts. “The presence of the free healthcare services facilitated by the company has been tremendously helpful and supportive of our community,” Xaverius added.
Beyond providing medical treatment, the company also conducted a socialization program on Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) during their visit in July 2026. This initiative aimed to educate residents on the critical importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene as a primary preventive measure against various diseases.
Through this series of free healthcare programs, PT BCA, a business unit of Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group—the largest palm oil company in South Papua—demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving the quality of life for communities surrounding its operational areas, while simultaneously helping to bridge the gap in healthcare access in remote regions. (PR)
