Medical Relief

The medical needs in the region are great–many of the poor have minor-to-serious conditions needing medical attention. Skin disorders, (Leprosy, and Scabies) Malaria, Cholera, TB, HIV/AIDS, cleft palates; diarrhea, eye and ear disorders are common.

Malnutrition remains a problem among certain groups and IFC provides food to the hungry.

The medical staff is highly qualified and truly care for their patients with compassion and professionalism. These services are offered free of charge and is provided for the poor. IFC has a clinic near the village of Kusuri. It offers basic medical care, treatment to a number of T.B. patients, leprosy and HIV/AIDS by housing their families. IFC has concentrated its largest effort in North Maluku. The mobile clinics there provide care for both Muslim and Christian. Care is given to all who ask for it and is based on need, not religion.

Mobile teams travel to remote villages in the North Maluku region. These teams remain in a village for a day or as long as three months. These teams provide critically needed medical care to those who would not get help for their injuries and illnesses.

Medical teams from the United States, Singapore, Australia and South Korea have come to this region and partnered with the IFC medical staff to provide specialized care to the needy.

The IFC medical clinic (called Klinik Hohidiai) works in cooperation with the Indonesian Department of Health. IFC has four Indonesian doctors to provide a covering to the medical work. Esther Scarborough is the director of our medical work in Manado and North Maluku.

Over 90 health care workers have been trained in basic health care addressing the multitude of needs of Indonesia’s tropical climate.

Under the leadership of Esther Scarborough, the staff of Hohidiai care for more than 8,000 patients each year.  A small hospital (in-patient) facility allows patients to come for long-term recovery.

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