Pediatric cardiac surgery in Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
• Global Health

Background:

• Indonesian pediatric cardiac surgery initiated through international collaboration.
• The 'Harapan Kita' National Cardiac Center, established in 1985, marked a key developmental milestone.
• Significant advancements observed in surgical volume and disease complexity treated.

Observation:

• Despite progress, only 1% of Indonesian children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are adequately treated.
• Challenges include a deficit of pediatric cardiac specialists.
• Limited patient education and insufficient public/private funding hinder widespread access to care.

Findings:

• Surgical outcomes have improved, reflecting advancements in the field.
• A substantial gap exists between the need for and provision of pediatric cardiac surgical services.
• Key barriers to effective CHD treatment include workforce shortages, inadequate patient information, and funding limitations.

Implications:

• Enhanced international collaboration and knowledge transfer are vital for advancing pediatric cardiac surgery in Indonesia.
• Addressing the identified challenges is essential to improve the treatment and long-term outlook for children with CHD.
• Investing in training, public awareness, and sustainable funding models is recommended to expand access to pediatric cardiac care.