The MoSA Accompanies Operation to Separate the Bodies of Conjoined Twins and Provides Operational Assistance

LEBAK (February 24, 2023) – A pair of conjoined twins from Lebak were finally referred to the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in Jakarta by the Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor. The pair of babies were attached and prepared to undergo body separation surgery.

“We have referred the conjoined twins to RSCM. They are temporarily staying at the "Handayani" Center in Bambu Apus, Jakarta while waiting for the body separation surgery schedule," said the Head of the "Galih Pakuan" Center, Siti Sari Rumayanti, Friday (24/2).

They are Zharifa Sakinah Mecca and Tanisha Zaara Mecca, four-month-old conjoined twins from the couple Ida Parwati (33) and Evi Kunaefi (46). This resident of Curugpanjang Village, Cikulur District, Lebak was born weighing four kilograms at Kartini Lebak Hospital. Due to their attached condition, the twins had to be referred to RSCM for further treatment.

Every day, Evi works as a laborer in a shoe factory in Jakarta with an income of IDR1 million per month. Evi is worried that he will be unable to pay for accommodation during the operation due to his limited income. He is particularly concerned about affording milk, return transportation to RSCM, which costs around IDR 300,000 per visit, and other expenses not covered by BPJS.

According to Sari, the Ministry of Social Affairs will facilitate operations during the operation. Meanwhile, the operating costs are borne by BPJS. "Alhamdulillah, the hospitalization and surgery costs have been covered by BPJS PBI. This family has also been included in the DTKS," she said.

Previously, the Ministry of Social Affairs had distributed Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) i.e. basic materials, nutritional needs, baby clothing, and equipment for baby food in the form of NGT tubes and silicone tubes. Meanwhile, entrepreneurship assistance will be distributed after the operation. "Entrepreneurial assistance will also be provided to the mother after the body separation operation is carried out and the baby is healthier," said Sari.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Affairs also provides psychosocial support to parents of twins and their families to remain patient and provide motivation to remain enthusiastic in caring for their babies. Furthermore, the Ministry of Social Affairs coordinates with the RSCM Medical Social Worker to obtain assistance and advocacy during the baby separation operation.

Meanwhile, the separation of the two babies will be carried out when the weight reaches ten kilograms. Further examinations will be carried out in March, namely at the ENT Polyclinic regarding the condition of the ear repair and consultation at the Surgical Polyclinic regarding readiness for surgery to separate the baby's body.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs