04 March 2026
Anonymous Writer
The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), together with the North Nias Regency Government, officially signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) as a follow-up to the previously agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This signing serves as the legal foundation for implementing partnership-based healthcare service programs in North Nias Regency.
The PKS was signed by the Vice Dean III of FK USU, dr. Inke Nadia Diniyanti Lubis, PGDip PID., FAAET, M.Ked (Ped), Sp.A, Ph.D, and the Regent of North Nias, Amizaro Waruwu, at the front courtyard of Tafaeri Regional General Hospital (RSUD Tafaeri), Lolofaoso Village, Lotu District, on Monday (March 2, 2025).
The USU team accompanying the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Medicine consisted of the Dean’s Expert Staff of FK USU, Dr. rer. medic. dr. M. Ichwan, M.Sc., Sp.KKLP., Subsp. FOMC; Head of the Internal Medicine Study Program, Dr. dr. Taufik Sungkar, M.Ked (PD), Sp.PD, Subsp. GEH (K); Head of the Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Study Program, dr. Andriamuri Primaputra Lubis, M.Ked (An), Sp.An-TI, Subsp. TI (K); Secretary of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Study Program, dr. Iman Helmi Effendi, M.Ked (OG), Sp.OG (K); and PPDS participants.
In her address, dr. Inke Nadia reiterated FK USU’s commitment to supporting government initiatives, particularly those of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of North Sumatra Province, in strengthening healthcare services in underdeveloped and island regions, including Nias Island.
One concrete example of this commitment is granting priority to native Nias doctors who are willing to return and serve in their home region to pursue the Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS) at FK USU with financial support from the Government of North Sumatra Province. The program has been running for one year and has admitted seven doctors from Nias to date, four of whom are from North Nias, specializing in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, and Radiology. This initiative is expected to accelerate improved access to specialist healthcare services for the people of North Nias.
In addition, FK USU has deployed final-stage resident doctors to strengthen services at RSUD Tafaeri in the fields of Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, and Clinical Pathology.
“The optimization of these services requires policy support from the North Nias Regency Government, particularly in regulating the referral flow of patients from community health centers so that they are prioritized to RSUD Tafaeri before being referred to other hospitals. This policy is essential to enhance service effectiveness while providing maximum contribution opportunities for resident doctors,” said dr. Inke.
The Regent of North Nias, Amizaro Waruwu, expressed appreciation and full commitment to the cooperation established with USU. He emphasized the readiness of the North Nias Regency Government to facilitate all FK USU activities to ensure optimal implementation.
“With 11 community health centers and one regional hospital, we are committed to improving facilities and infrastructure, including road access to healthcare facilities. These improvements are supported by the Government of North Sumatra Province and are targeted for completion by June. Serving in underdeveloped areas presents unique challenges, but the value and impact of such service are far greater for the community,” he stated.
Furthermore, the North Nias Regency Government has submitted requests for medical equipment for RSUD Tafaeri, all of which have been approved by the Ministry of Health and will soon be realized to enhance service quality.
The Chair of the North Nias Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), Yaaman Telaumbanua, SE, MM, also expressed gratitude for the support of USU and the Government of North Sumatra Province, particularly with the presence of four specialist doctors strengthening services at RSUD Tafaeri. He expressed hope that the people of North Nias would receive better healthcare and no longer face delays in treatment due to service limitations.
Following the signing, the delegation conducted an inspection of RSUD Tafaeri’s facilities, where construction of an additional building is currently being completed. On the same day, FK USU, in collaboration with RSUD Tafaeri and the North Nias Regency Health Office, carried out community service activities including ultrasound (USG) examinations for pregnant women, gallstone screenings, laboratory examinations, and emergency response training for healthcare personnel. The activities were enthusiastically welcomed by the community.
Also present at the event were the Vice Regent of North Nias, the Regional Secretary, heads of regional agencies, the Director of RSUD Tafaeri and staff, the Head of BPJS Kesehatan Gunungsitoli, the Head of Bank Sumut Lotu, and local community leaders. From FK USU, the Vice Dean III was accompanied by the Dean’s Expert Staff, Heads and Secretaries of Specialist Study Programs, and PPDS participants.
This strategic partnership not only strengthens the healthcare service system in island regions but also concretely supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which emphasizes improved access to and quality of healthcare services, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which promotes multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development. The synergy between higher education institutions, local governments, and other stakeholders forms a crucial foundation in delivering equitable, high-quality, and inclusive healthcare services for all communities, including those in underdeveloped and island regions such as North Nias.
USU Faculty of Medicine and Imelda University Medan Faculty of Medicine Strengthen Collaboration in Medical Education Development
NewsUSU Faculty of Medicine Receives Visit from Chief Assessor of the National Accreditation Committee to Strengthen Laboratory Quality Standards
NewsFaculty of Medicine Holds Deanery Farewell and Welcome Ceremony, Strengthening Leadership Transition Toward an Outstanding Faculty
