The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs Conducts Advocacy on the Case of a Baby with Lung Disease

BOGOR (September, 5 2020) – On Friday (09/04/2020), Sahabat Uncle Teebob reported directly to the Director-General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat regarding the case of infants in the Rumpin area, Bogor Regency. This case is quite complicated because the baby is bedridden, but the family is struggling economically.

The baby has the initial “N” and was born in April 2020. “N””s condition at birth had a normal weight, but a few months later “N””s weight continued to shrink so that his body looked very thin for a baby his age. Because of economic difficulties, so that his family and neighbors only assume “N” is malnourished.

Not wanting to be silent, “N”’s parents took him to the Public Health Center, but after an examination it was found that “N” has a lung disease, so he had to be treated immediately at the hospital (RS). The nurse said the cost that must be prepared is around 12 million rupiahs, or his parents had to make a Social Health Insurance card first at a cost of 500 thousand rupiahs. This makes “N”’s father is known to have stopped trading porridge because he is no longer has capital.

Fronted by the RW with volunteers, they made a fundraising proposal which was distributed through social media Instagram to help “N”. As a result, the RW and volunteers managed to collect costs for making BPJS card which can only be active on September 16, 2020. Meanwhile, “N”’s condition is getting worse every day and must immediately receive intensive medical care.

“Immediately do a case response, make sure what the child’s needs are, help optimally until the child’s condition improves,” said Harry. The Ministry of Social Affairs through the “Handayani” Children Center which is commanded by The Head of The Center, Neneng Heryani, immediately followed up in this case. Neneng gave directions to social workers to immediately come to “N”’s house and conduct a needs assessment.

Arriving there, the social workers from “Handayani” Children Center saw that the baby was in a very weak condition and just continued to sleep. Together with Uncle Teeboob’s friend, The Head of Social Welfare Section, the RW, and Community Social Workers (PSM) immediately advocated for the hospital to receive “N” and immediately provide treatment. Duafa Hospital was the first referral to be visited, but unfortunately the hospital didn’t have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After that, the social workers of “Handayani” Children Center together with related parties, continued the search for hospital referrals to Cibinong Hospital. After being given an explanation the baby’s condition, Cibinong Hospital was finally able to accept and immediately provide treatment to “N”.

Previously, The “Handayani” Children Center provided case response assistance to “N”. Together with “N”’s parents, The “Handayani” Children Center social workers bought some of the food needed to fulfil “N” nutrition. The Ministry of Social Affairs through The “Handayani” Children Center will continue to supervise and coordinate with related parties. Social Work Service Unit and PSM Rumpin District will immediately take care of BPJS “N” so that treatment at the hospital can continue without any obstacle.