Social Minister Risma Visits Andes, a Patient with Bone Cancer from Jambi

JAKARTA (11 March 2022) - Andes Jalfirwan (18 years), a boy from Jambi is battling bone cancer he is suffering from. It started when he was 9 years old, he had a habit of gouging his teeth with a needle, and finally, an infection occurred. At the age of 10 years, there was swelling in the left side of the gum, he was examined by a dentist but it did not heal.

Andes was taken to Kerinci Hospital, but with limited equipment, he was referred to M. Jamil Padang Hospital and diagnosed with maxilaris sinistra tumor. As a result of this condition, he was forced to drop out of school. This was even more difficult for Andes because his father and mother who cared for him were gone without clarity, only working as farm laborers in other people's fields for 30 thousand rupiahs per day.

Last December, Andes was referred to Social Rehabilitation Center “Alyatama” Jambi by the Kerinci social companion to get further services and to receive assistance to carry out a follow-up examination at the hospital. Andes have BPJS but because of arrears, it cannot be used.

Alyatama Center reactivated BPJS Andes and he underwent medical treatment at Raden Mataher Hospital Jambi. Due to the limitations of the hospital, he was referred to the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Jakarta.

The number of costs he needs to go to Jakarta and meet his daily needs in Jakarta and the operating costs that are not included in BPJS are a burden for him and his family.

The Ministry of Social Affairs helped Andes and his mother access kitabisa.com to open donations. Having been at the Center for approximately 2 months, the donations collected were sufficient to cover Andes' medical care while in Jakarta.

Then Andes was temporarily entrusted to Mulya Jaya Center, Jakarta, last February to await his scheduled operation at RSCM Jakarta.

Knowing this, the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini visited Andes and his mother directly with representatives from kitabisa.com. Social Minister Risma provides support and motivation so that Andes remains enthusiastic and patient in undergoing the treatment process.

"Andes remains enthusiastic while undergoing treatment here. For Andes' mother, who is patient in educating Andes with conditions like this", said Social Minister Risma.