Medical team coordinator Dr. Sunario Salim (right) explains how to take the prescribed medication to a patient. | Photo: Tzu Chi volunteer | Indonesia | 2025/04/13

In the coastal town of Medan Belawan, Indonesia, resources can be scarce. Located in North Sumatra and a significant distance from the city center, the community, including the students of SDN 060966-060967-060968 Belawan public elementary schools, has limited access to medical facilities. This is a need that volunteers from Medan have been helping to address for years, building on a relationship that began in 2004 when they first assisted in constructing the school campus.

On April 13, 2025, this long-standing connection was renewed as the school grounds transformed into a bustling free clinic. A team of 84 volunteers, 31 members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), and 34 other medical professionals gathered to offer their services. Preparations began the day before, and by 7:30 a.m. the next day, everyone was in place, ready to welcome students, their parents, and school staff seeking care.

Addressing a Pressing Need for Dental Health

Following a specific request from the school, the clinic placed a strong emphasis on dental care. Due to a general lack of knowledge about oral hygiene in the area, many children face issues with tooth development and cleanliness.

"In addition to dentistry, we also offered general medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology, but the dental clinic saw the most patients," explained Suryati (楊曉芬), the medical mission coordinator. She further explained, "Besides check-ups, the dentists also provided fillings and extractions for those who needed them. We hope this clinic can raise awareness about the importance of oral health and help everyone develop good cleaning habits from a young age."

The dentists worked with patience and care, and the young patients showed remarkable courage during their treatments, whether it was for a filling or an extraction.

Dentists treat young patients with patience and care. | Photo: Amir Tan | Indonesia | 2025/04/13

A Legacy of Trust and Healing

For many families, this was not their first positive experience with the free clinics. Sriyani arrived with her two daughters, Ramahdini and Raisah Aprillia, for dental treatment.

"This is the second time my daughter has attended the free clinic at school," Sriyani shared gratefully. "The first time, we came for a skin issue. She had a rash on her hand, and after taking the medicine the doctor prescribed, it healed completely. Today, I brought both my daughters to the dentist. The younger one needed a tooth extracted, and her sister needed a filling. I am so thankful for the care shown to the people and students here."

Another young student, Jeremiya, familiar with the free clinic, came to the pediatric station by himself this time. "The first time, I came with my mom because her hand was numb. After seeing the doctor and taking the medicine, she got better," he told a volunteer. "This time, it's my turn. I fell off my bike two days ago and hurt my neck. It hurts when I turn it. The doctor gave me some medicine today and told me to come back if it doesn't improve."

Jeremiya (right), an elementary school student, came to the pediatric clinic on his own. He had injured his neck after falling off his bicycle two days earlier. | Photo: Amir Tan | Indonesia | 2025/04/13

Professional Care Delivered with Compassion

The collaborative effort brought together a wide range of medical expertise. "We had 75 medical personnel participating today, including general practitioners, dental specialists, dermatologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, and nurses," said Dr. Sunario Salim, the medical team coordinator. "Thirty-one of them are already members of TIMA. We hope that through this event, the children and staff will realize the importance of oral health, which will help everyone maintain good health and ensure that teaching and learning can proceed without disruption from illness."

Hansen, the event's lead organizer, expressed his appreciation for the medical team. "The medical team has consistently shown a professional and caring attitude, dedicated to providing the best possible medical services to the students and teachers. From the beginning, I saw how eager everyone was to participate. They waited patiently in line to receive care from this professional team."

The school's students and teachers were very eager to participate in the free clinic, waiting patiently in line to receive care from the professional medical team. | Photo by: Amir Tan | Indonesia | 2025/04/13

By the time the clinic concluded at 11:30 a.m., the medical team had successfully treated 329 patients. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of warmth and compassion, as medical professionals and volunteers worked together to alleviate the physical discomfort of each person who came seeking help, reinforcing a bond of care that has spanned two decades.

In total, the medical team successfully provided services to 329 patients during the free clinic. | Photo: Amir Tan | Indonesia | 2025/04/13

Written by Li-Rong Fu (傅麗蓉)

Source: 勿拉灣學校義診 嘉惠師生及家長