The Banda Aceh City Government has officially appointed a new leader for the Meuraxa Regional General Hospital (RSUD). Banda Aceh Mayor, Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, inaugurated and administered the oath of office to dr. Emeraldha, M.Kes., as the definitive Director of the local government-owned hospital on Monday (August 2026). The solemn inauguration ceremony was held in the Mawardy Nurdin Building Hall.
In her directive speech, Illiza emphasized the government's commitment to continuously improving the quality of public services, particularly in the healthcare sector, which directly affects the community. For her, Meuraxa Hospital is not just a regular medical facility, but a representation of the government's seriousness in providing quality and equitable access to treatment.
Furthermore, Illiza highlighted that patients coming to Meuraxa Hospital carry high hopes for recovery. Therefore, the entire medical staff is required to provide fast services, precise diagnoses, and treatment based on empathy. She stressed that the new leadership must be able to bring concrete changes to service management.
The appointment process of dr. Emeraldha herself was said to have gone through the Open Selection mechanism for High Leadership Positions. This mechanism was conducted transparently based on a merit system to ensure that the chosen figure possesses competence, high integrity, and a proven track record to lead this vital institution.
To the new director, the Mayor advised to immediately introduce innovations to cut patient waiting times and improve the safety of medical services. In addition to infrastructure, she reminded of the importance of human resource (HR) development so that all medical staff have a friendly and solution-oriented work ethic.
Meuraxa Hospital is also encouraged to expand partnerships with community health centers (puskesmas), educational institutions, professional organizations, and BPJS Kesehatan to achieve optimal service integration. Internally, financial and administrative management must prioritize principles of transparency and good governance.
This momentum was also an opportunity for the Mayor to express her highest appreciation to dr. Taufik Wahyudi Mahady, Sp.OG., M.H.P.M., who previously served as the Acting Director. His dedication is considered to have laid a solid foundation for the hospital's future reform direction.
