Pangkalpinang – The Provincial Government of the Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (Bangka Belitung Islands) is finalizing a strategic plan to establish a specialized Heart and Stroke Hospital in the provincial capital. This step is taken as a concrete response to the high mortality rate caused by non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, which require ultra-fast medical response.
To finance this vital health infrastructure project, the regional government plans to apply for a regional loan of IDR 293 billion from Bank Sumsel Babel. This financing scheme was chosen to accelerate the construction's realization without immediately straining the regional budget, and it has undergone a strict and accountable financial feasibility study.
Until now, emergency services for heart and stroke patients in Bangka Belitung have relied on the Dr. (H.C.) Ir. Soekarno Regional Public Hospital (RSUD). However, geographical obstacles and travel times are often major hurdles for patients to receive treatment during the critical phase or golden period. In addition, limited land at the existing hospital makes it difficult to develop intensive care units such as the ICVCU.
The urgency of this specialized hospital is reinforced by alarming epidemiological data. Throughout 2022 to 2024, thousands of residents were recorded suffering from coronary heart disease and stroke, with fatality rates continually looming. The presence of an integrated service center is expected to significantly reduce referral times.
The Governor of Bangka Belitung, Hidayat Arsani, emphasized that this project is a form of state presence to guarantee citizens' right to life. He stated that he does not want any citizens to lose their lives simply due to the distance of inadequate health facilities during emergencies.
This flagship project in the health sector has been integrated into the 21 Priority Programs of the Bangka Belitung Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) 2025–2029. Later, the new hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, ranging from a Cathlab to a Stroke Center, to ensure comprehensive treatment at the local level.
