09 August 2025
Kawasi, South Halmahera – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khairun University (FKIK Unkhair), in collaboration with Harita Nickel, organized a series of free health check-ups and hypertension education programs for residents in the communities surrounding the company’s operational area in Kawasi Village, Obi Island.
Held from August 5 to 9, the initiative reflects the strategic partnership between academia and industry in promoting early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
The FKIK Unkhair team, comprising lecturers, laboratory staff, and students, supported by Harita Nickel’s Community Development team, provided health screenings for 129 residents. Examinations included height and weight measurements, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, kidney function, cholesterol (HDL and LDL), triglycerides, and anemia detection. Residents received detailed explanations of their results along with guidance on maintaining health to prevent chronic conditions.
“Previously, I believed that long-term use of hypertension medication could damage the kidneys, but I now understand it prevents complications,” said a resident living with hypertension for 10 years. Other participants also expressed appreciation for receiving comprehensive health services without having to travel outside Obi.
The program concluded on August 9 with a health education session titled Recognize and Prevent Hypertension, delivered by Dr. Nur Upik En Masrika, M. Biomed, head of the FKIK Unkhair team. The session covered causes, risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures for hypertension, including a healthy diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups.
Dr. Liasari Armaijn, M.Kes., Dean of FKIK Unkhair, acknowledged Harita Nickel’s full support. “Collaborations of this nature allow us to engage directly with the community, provide assistance, and offer practical health solutions,” she stated.
Supriyanto, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) & Management System Manager at Harita Nickel, highlighted that this program is a follow-up to a Health Impact Assessment study conducted last year.
“In addition to partnering with Unkhair, Harita Nickel implements similar programs biannually. We are committed to ensuring that industrial growth aligns with improvements in the quality of life for surrounding communities,” Supriyanto added.
For the residents, this marked their first opportunity to receive a comprehensive blood test free of charge. For FKIK Unkhair, the program provided a platform to apply medical expertise while strengthening community engagement.
Through this initiative, FKIK Unkhair and Harita Nickel reaffirm their active role in creating healthier industrial communities that are aware of the importance of early health screenings and ready to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.
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