USU PR — The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), continues to demonstrate its commitment to assisting communities affected by disasters in several areas of North Sumatra and Aceh. Through collaboration with the Indonesian Pediatric Society (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia/IDAI) North Sumatra Branch and the USU Faculty of Psychology, FK USU provides integrated healthcare services focused on post-disaster recovery of children’s health, community physical health, and mental health.

This humanitarian initiative reaches disaster-affected areas in Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, Langkat Regency, and the City of Medan in North Sumatra, as well as Aceh Tamiang in Aceh Province. The primary focus is directed toward vulnerable groups, especially children, without overlooking the healthcare needs of affected adults.

In its implementation, FK USU together with IDAI North Sumatra deployed 69 pediatric specialists, supported by 17 psychologists from the USU Faculty of Psychology, who were directly involved in field operations to ensure that physical and mental health services could be delivered comprehensively and continuously. This cross-disciplinary collaboration enables more holistic care, covering both medical and psychosocial aspects.

The healthcare services provided include medical examinations and treatment for children and adults, management of post-disaster illnesses such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, and skin diseases, as well as monitoring of children’s nutritional status. In addition, the team also provides health education to parents and families to prevent the emergence of further illnesses resulting from post-disaster environmental conditions that have not yet fully recovered.

In addition to focusing on physical health, FK USU and IDAI also place special attention on mental health, which is often a long-term impact of disasters. Psychologists provide psychosocial support through individual and group counseling, psychological assessments, and community-based trauma recovery activities. For children, approaches include therapeutic play activities, joint learning sessions, and interactions designed to restore a sense of safety and reduce anxiety. For adults, support focuses on managing stress, grief, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion resulting from emergency situations.

As an additional form of support, FK USU also distributes logistical assistance needed by affected communities, particularly for children, including formula milk, boiled eggs, ready-to-eat meals, wearable clothing, sandals, and various other basic necessities. This assistance is expected to help meet daily needs while supporting the overall health recovery process of the community.

The Chair of IDAI North Sumatra, dr. Rizky Adriansyah, M.Ked(Ped), Sp.A(K), stated that cross-professional collaboration is key to post-disaster recovery.

“In disaster response, we are not only talking about rapid medical assistance, but also about ensuring that the services provided truly match the needs of the community. Collaboration between pediatricians, other healthcare workers, and psychologists allows affected children and families to receive comprehensive support, both physically and mentally, so they can recover more quickly and resume their daily activities,” he said.

Through this initiative, FK USU reaffirms its role as a higher education institution that not only focuses on academics but is also actively present within the community during times of crisis. The synergy between medical personnel, professional organizations, and psychologists is expected to support a more comprehensive and sustainable recovery of physical and mental health for disaster-affected communities.