HUMAS USU — The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), carried out a humanitarian mission for communities affected by severe flooding in Central Tapanuli Regency on December 5, 2025. This activity forms part of USU’s commitment to accompanying communities in disaster-affected areas, particularly in strengthening post-disaster health services that require a rapid, coordinated, and sustainable response.

The humanitarian mission was conducted in collaboration with professional organizations, namely the Indonesian Pediatric Society (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia/IDAI) and the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine Specialists (Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Penyakit Dalam Indonesia/PAPDI). This collaboration involved medical personnel from various specialties, including pediatricians and internal medicine specialists, supported by general practitioners, nurses, medical students, and volunteers. Field implementation also received logistical and facility support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (KemdiktiSaintek) to ensure that health services could operate optimally and reach affected areas requiring immediate care.

Services were focused on direct health examinations for flood-affected communities, along with the distribution of staple food packages and basic necessities. The teams provided general medical check-ups, health examinations for children and toddlers, prenatal check-ups for pregnant women, internal medicine consultations, management of acute cases, and health education related to post-disaster disease prevention. Support from KemdiktiSaintek in the form of medicines, medical equipment, and basic necessities served as a critical reinforcement to ensure effective service delivery amid limited access and high community needs.

The Medical Team Coordinator, dr. Inke Nadia Diniyanti Lubis, PGDip PID FAAET, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A, Ph.D, stated that accelerated service delivery was made possible through multi-party synergy and central government support. “The acceleration of direct health services to isolated areas could be achieved due to cross-organizational cooperation and a shared commitment to ensuring services quickly reach affected communities. Support from the Vice Minister of KemdiktiSaintek, who was directly present in Medan, also played a major role in expediting procurement, particularly for medicines that had run out in Medan, as well as in planning and distribution,” she explained.

Medical services by FK USU in collaboration with IDAI and PAPDI were carried out throughout December 2025, with a focus on three sub-districts severely affected by flooding, namely Tukka Sub-district, Badiri Sub-district, and Tapian Nauli Sub-district in Central Tapanuli Regency. These areas were prioritized due to the extent of damage, the large number of vulnerable groups, and limited local health service capacity.

Through this activity, hundreds of residents from vulnerable groups to productive-age populations received timely and appropriate health services. Early detection and management of flood-related illnesses are expected to reduce the risk of complications and prevent potential disease outbreaks. In addition, the distribution of staple food and basic assistance supported the community’s initial recovery. Cross-institutional synergy among FK USU, IDAI, PAPDI, local governments, and KemdiktiSaintek serves as a vital foundation for strengthening more structured and sustainable disaster response efforts.

FK USU reaffirmed its commitment to remaining present alongside communities during emergency situations and recovery phases, by prioritizing humane, professional, and impactful health services for disaster-affected residents.