RSUD Meuraxa opens Aceh's first pediatric heart catheterization
The new service is expected to cut referrals to Jakarta for mild congenital heart cases, though heart surgery is still unavailable in Banda Aceh.
RSUD Meuraxa in Banda Aceh has officially opened pediatric heart catheterization and congenital heart disease care, which it described as the first such service in Aceh Province. The facility expands access to treatment for children with heart defects, including mild cases such as leaky heart conditions, without an immediate referral to Jakarta. Banda Aceh Mayor Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal said many child patients from Aceh have long been referred to RS Harapan Kita, at high cost and with long waits. The service has been operating since May. According to the city government, RSUD Meuraxa already has the equipment and medical staff in place, but heart surgery still cannot be performed in Banda Aceh. The city plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Health and RS Harapan Kita to strengthen human resources and complete the equipment.