Enggano Island continues to face serious challenges in the healthcare sector. This issue was revealed during the Patriot Expedition conducted by Anggie Putri Kurniasari along with three other team members, under the supervision of Dr. Ir. Yasser Wahyuddin, S.T., M.T. The expedition provided direct observations of the limited healthcare facilities and shortage of medical personnel on the island.
Based on an interview with Komalasari, Head of the Enggano Mobile Hospital (RSBE), the main problem faced by RSBE is the lack of medical professionals. She admitted that she had once had to care for patients on her own due to the absence of other medical personnel. This condition has led many residents to prefer seeking treatment at community health centers rather than at RSBE, as these centers have more medical staff.
In addition, many medical devices at RSBE are unused and poorly maintained. Healthcare services are further constrained by the limited availability of doctors, who are only
present for two weeks each month. As a result, residents who require medical attention outside this period are unable to receive proper services.
The doctors assigned to Enggano are general practitioners, not specialists, which prevents RSBE from handling severe medical cases. Patients with serious conditions must be referred to hospitals in Bengkulu City. However, the referral process is often hampered by limited transportation access. Sea transportation operates only twice a week, while flights operated by Susi Air require ticket reservations well in advance.
These limitations frequently delay the treatment of emergency cases, potentially worsening patients’ conditions and even leading to death. Therefore, the healthcare sector in Enggano District still requires special attention from the North Bengkulu Regency Government, the Bengkulu Provincial Government, and the Central Government as part of efforts to improve healthcare services in one of Indonesia’s outermost islands.