Kawan Sehat medical evaluation in East Sumba
Assessing frontline care where no doctors exist
At Kataka Puskesmas in East Sumba, medical teams from Fair Future and Kawan Baik conducted a formal field evaluation of Katrina, one of the first Kawan Sehat health agents trained through the Primary Medical Care programme. For more than three years, Katrina has provided essential care in Lapinu, a remote village with no doctor, nurse, or medical facility.
The evaluation was led by Dr Narni and nurse Ivon, who carefully reviewed patient records, clinical decisions, triage practices, and emergency responses carried out by Katrina alone in the village. Each case reflects the reality of primary care in ultra-rural settings, where diagnosis relies on clinical observation, structured protocols, and constant decision-making without equipment.
Erwin presented the full set of Primary Medical Care tools, including prevention posters, medical booklets, and the updated 150-page training manual used by all Kawan Sehat agents. These materials support early identification of infections, fever patterns, wounds, and malaria warning signs. Posters were also installed at the Puskesmas to ensure that families receive consistent medical messages from village to clinic.
Local health authorities acknowledged Katrina’s role as a first responder and an essential link between households and the health system. With nearly one thousand patients treated each month by the programme, continuous training, supervision, and data accuracy remain central to maintaining medical quality in isolated communities.
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Alex Wettstein – Fair Future Foundation medico-social camp in East Sumba – Rumah Kambera, Lambanapu – the 8th of January 2025
