A white car with rotating lights travels from village to village every day, equipped with various medical tools such as beds, stethoscopes, tensiometers, IVs, and more. PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) logo proudly marks the front and doors of the vehicle. That is PTBA mobile health car, which offers free services daily to the communities surrounding the company's operational areas.The arrival of the mobile health car is eagerly awaited by those who face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities. At 8 a.m., as the warmth of the sun begins to be felt, around 30 residents from RW 12 Mandala, Tanjung Enim, are already lined up, waiting for their health check-ups on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
One of them is Mugiono, a retired security officer in his senior years. He has been experiencing dizziness and aches for the past few days. Fortunately, on that day, PTBA mobile health car stopped near his house.
"My head has been dizzy for three days and my body aches, Doc," said Mugiono to the doctor who examined him.
The doctor immediately checked Mugiono's blood pressure, which was found to be above normal. One of the contributing factors was his habit of staying up late.
"Sir, your blood pressure is slightly elevated. Please adjust your sleep patterns and avoid staying up late at night. I'll provide a prescription, be sure to take the medication regularly," advised the doctor.
Aufa, the doctor's name, is a 26-year-old woman from Lampung who has been working at Bukit Asam Medika Hospital (RS BAM) for three months. She has joined the mobile health car team, providing services to the community. During one free medical treatment session, Aufa attended to dozens of patients.
There is a deep sense of responsibility when Aufa sees the hopeful faces of the residents waiting for care, while also fulfilling her professional commitment as a doctor to treat those in need. However, Aufa feels a sense of pride in being part of the RS BAM social initiative, knowing she can contribute to helping the community.
"We regularly visit the villages. In my experience, the people here are very enthusiastic. Many show up for the free medical treatment. On average, the visitors are entire families—fathers, mothers, and their children," she explained.
Of course, Aufa also experienced moments of sadness while serving the community in the villages, especially when faced with patients whose health conditions were challenging to address. At times, she also felt lonely, being far away from her family and friends. "Of course I miss my family; they are far away. The access from Lampung to here isn't easy," she said.
Although tired, Aufa admitted that she was happy to serve the community. The feeling of tiredness was replaced by the smiles of the villagers who felt better after receiving treatment, or the sincere gratitude from the residents.
"I am happy to see that the community is becoming more aware of their health. For example, there are elderly people with a history of high blood pressure who come here for check-ups and are committed to taking their medication regularly. They truly make the most of these health checks. They don't hesitate to share all of their concerns," said Aufa.
Gumbreg Sunu Baroto, one of the health workers at BAM Hospital who often joins the PTBA mobile health car on its village visits, shared similar sentiment. He was happy to see the community's enthusiasm when the mobile health car arrives, as well as the opportunity to listen directly to their concerns.
"We listen directly to the concerns of the community. They are also provided with free treatment. This program is incredibly beneficial for underprivileged people who are far from healthcare facilities," he said.
In collaboration with Bukit Asam Medika Hospital and village officials, the mobile health car and free treatment program aims to deliver direct healthcare services to underprivileged people who have limited access to health facilities. Additionally, this program is designed to raise public awareness about the importance of health.
The health services offered include medical examinations by qualified doctors and the provision of medications. PTBA's mobile health car also provides a Home Care service. For residents in the company's Ring 1 area who are unable to visit the free treatment location due to specific health conditions, the mobile health car can visit their homes directly to provide care.
In this free treatment program, patients can also receive referrals to the hospital if they have conditions that cannot be treated on-site. Also, this mobile health car is able to transport patients who need further treatment to the hospital.
Throughout 2024, PTBA's mobile health car has provided services to 12,068 patients across 23 villages in Muara Enim Regency and Lahat Regency, all of which are located within the company's Ring 1 area.
The mobile health car program aligns with the government's Asta Cita, particularly point 5, which focuses on the development of Human Resources (HR) and healthcare. PTBA will continue to contribute to the improvement of community well-being by providing free health services.
