Sahaja Kelana: Social Work Activity in Melinggih Village, Payangan, Gianyar Regency

Sahaja Kelana: Social Work Activity in Melinggih Village, Payangan, Gianyar Regency

Yayasan Sahaja Dharma Sejahtera organized the Sahaja Kelana event on January 26, 2025, held at Balai Banjar Sema and Balai Banjar Melinggih, Melinggih Village, Payangan District, Gianyar Regency. Sahaja Kelana is a social work program designed to provide free healthcare services to older people in specific regions. Through this program, essential healthcare services are collectively delivered in areas that need them, ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for older people.

In its implementation, Sahaja Kelana involved the Indonesian Association of Geriatric Medicine (PERGEMI) Bali Branch, nursing students from Bali Institute of Technology and Health (ITEKES Bali), nursing students from STIKES Bina Usada Bali, and physiotherapists from RSUP Prof. Ngoerah, who assisted in medical check-ups and participant support.

Various health services were provided during this event, including blood pressure measurement, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) assessment, elderly risk screening (SKILAS), sarcopenia screening (SARC-F), handgrip strength testing, anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), walking tests, sit-to-stand tests, as well as vision and hearing examinations. Additionally, participants received health consultations and medications based on their medical assessments.

A total of 109 older people attended the event, with 54 participants from Banjar Sema and 55 participants from Banjar Melinggih. In addition to on-site services, the medical team also conducted home visits for six older people who were economically disadvantaged and had mobility difficulties, preventing them from attending the event. During these visits, doctors provided medical check-ups, healthcare treatments, and basic food aid to help meet their essential needs.

During the event, we interviewed several individuals, including older people and Posyandu (integrated health post) cadres.

Ibu Rasmini, a Posyandu cadre, expressed her happiness about the event, stating that it greatly supported the Posyandu in delivering services to older people. “The older people looked happy because they had the chance to meet healthcare professionals and share their health concerns. Thank you so much to Yayasan Sahaja!” she said.

Ibu Sang Ayu Made Moyo also shared her appreciation. “Thank you to Yayasan Sahaja. Today, I was able to get a health check-up, meet with a doctor, and even receive some medication and vitamins,” she said gratefully.

Meanwhile, I Wayan Dapet felt greatly assisted by this initiative. “Thank you so much to Yayasan Sahaja for facilitating free health check-ups for us older people. I’m really grateful that I don’t have to travel far to get my health checked,” he expressed.