MERAUKE – RS Marzoeki Mahdi signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the National Mental Health Service Mentorship Program with the Government of South Papua Province on Monday (May 5) at the South Papua Governor’s Office in Merauke.

The initiative marks a strategic step toward strengthening mental health services in South Papua through the national mentorship program coordinated by RS Marzoeki Mahdi as the national and regional coordinator for mental health service mentorship.

As reported by Papua Selatan Provincial Government Official Website, South Papua Governor Apolo Safanpo stated that the program is crucial in improving public access to healthcare services in the region.

“There are still many people in South Papua who must be referred to regency capitals or outside the region because the provincial government does not yet have its own hospital. Therefore, we are very grateful for this program, which will greatly support the improvement of healthcare services in this province,” he said.

He expressed hope that the mentorship program would provide better and more optimal access to advanced healthcare services for people in need.

As a follow-up to the MoU signing, President Director of RS Marzoeki Mahdi, Nova Riyanti Yusuf, together with her team, conducted a visitation to RSUD Merauke the following day.

The visit aimed to assess the hospital’s readiness in terms of facilities, infrastructure, and the development of mental health service units as part of efforts to achieve Intermediate-level stratification standards and fulfill hospital accreditation requirements.

Nova stated that strengthening mental health services at RSUD Merauke is expected to extend coverage to surrounding areas in South Papua, including Boven Digoel, Mappi, and Asmat regencies.

“We hope that RSUD Merauke will become a capable hospital in delivering comprehensive mental health services, ranging from emergency care and outpatient services to inpatient treatment,” she said.

She also noted that RSUD Merauke has the potential and adequate facilities to further develop mental health services in accordance with accreditation standards and community healthcare needs.

Through this mentorship program, RS Marzoeki Mahdi will provide intensive assistance to RSUD Merauke, including preparations for hospital reaccreditation and the strengthening of mental health service units within general hospitals.

The National Mental Health Service Mentorship Program is expected to expand access to quality, equitable, and sustainable mental health services for the people of South Papua.