Minister of Social Affairs Visits Children with Hydrocephalus in Ngawi

NGAWI (December 3rd, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited and provided assistance to Elvano, a 3-year-old child, who suffered hydrocephalus in Geneng District, Ngawi Regency, East Java.

During the visit, Minister of Social Affairs greeted Elvano and saw his response which was also active in communicating, even though Elvano could not speak yet.

"Hello, Elvano! Wow, you're smart! What toys do you like? Cars, huh?" said Risma.

She was greeted by Elvano's laughter. Even though he was unable to reply, Elvano responded and smiled by accepting the toy that the Minister handed over to him.

The Minister ensured that Elvano and his family's needs were met.

"BPJS Health has handled medical costs, but there are several things that are not covered, such as operational and daily costs. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) will help through Centers in the regions and kitabisa," Risma explained.

Through "Kartini" Integrated Center in Temanggung, MoSA provided health care assistance for Elvano at Dr. Hospital. Soeroto Ngawi. Then, the hospital referred him to the Pediatric Cardiac Clinic and Neurosurgery Specialist at Dr. RSUD. Moewardi Surakarta.

Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) was provided by MoSA with a total value of IDR 14,428,980 consisting of operational assistance for health service support, assistance for fulfilling a decent life and additional nutrition in the form of milk, diapers, personal hygiene equipment, wardrobe, as well as entrepreneurship assistance for Elvano's mother in the form of grocery/basic food stalls and additional material equipment for sewing businesses.

On the same occasion, kitabisa also handed over donations to Elvano and his family with funds collected amounting to IDR 37,558,255 from 1,907 donors. It was used to help the operational costs during Elvano's treatment.

All the assistance provided was intended to help support the Elvano family's economy during the treatment period, so that all their daily needs were met.

Not only material support, Risma also provided motivation to Elvano's mother.

"Don't give up! You're a strong mother to Elvano. Believe in me, God entrusted you with this little kid because He knows you're capable. Even though hydrocephalus n a very long process, mother must keep the spirit alive. I see that Elvano is also active in communicating. He can respond. He needs to continue to be trained," she added.

In the future, the Minister emphasized that MoSA would continue to accompany and monitor the development of Elvano's health and grocery stall entrepreneurship, as well as the sewing business for Elvano's family.

"Thank you, MoSA and kitabisa. Hopefully, the assistance is a blessing and Elvano can recover like other children," said Yulie.