Prabowo Plans Air Ambulances, Flying Doctors for Remote Healthcare

President Prabowo Subianto has outlined ambitious plans to equip Indonesia with air ambulances and flying doctor services. This initiative aims to bridge the healthcare gap for citizens in remote areas who currently face arduous journeys to reach medical facilities. Prabowo cited reports of women dying during childbirth due to the 7-9 hour travel time required to reach a hospital, often exacerbated by poor road infrastructure.

“

I received reports that many mothers died because they had to travel 7-9 hours when it was time to give birth, having to travel 9 hours because there was no good road. Because the bridge was not good.

"We must find innovative breakthroughs, one way is through air ambulances. Even flying doctor teams later on," Prabowo stated during a financial note speech for the 2027 State Budget Draft. The flying doctors would travel directly to the homes of seriously ill patients, utilizing aircraft capable of landing in diverse terrains like sand, grass, and even riverbanks.

“

We must find innovative breakthroughs, one way is through air ambulances. Even flying doctor teams later on.

Beyond air transport, the government plans a significant overhaul of primary healthcare infrastructure. Starting in 2027, 10,000 community health centers (Puskesmas) across 7,285 sub-districts will undergo renovation, with each receiving approximately Rp4 billion for improvements. Additionally, 514 public health laboratories will be built or renovated in regencies and cities nationwide, with a target completion date of 2030. Prabowo emphasized that basic healthcare should be accessible, stating, "The state must be present as close as possible to where the people live."

“

With small planes that can land in grassy fields, sandy fields, can land on riverbanks, so that none of our people cannot be evacuated if they are sick.