RSBP Batam launches first non-invasive adult congenital heart intervention in Kepri
A quiet medical milestone in Batam is reshaping access to life-saving heart care, bringing advanced treatment closer to home for thousands who once had to wait or travel far.
A First-of-Its-Kind Service in the Riau Islands
In early 2026, Rumah Sakit Badan Pengusahaan Batam officially launched non-invasive congenital heart disease interventions for adult patients. This marks the first time such procedures are available in the Riau Islands for patients over 18, eliminating the need for referrals to national hospitals outside the region.
One of the first beneficiaries was Nurdiana, a 22-year-old woman from Tanjungpinang who had lived her entire life unaware she had a congenital heart condition. Her illness was detected only after a routine X-ray revealed heart enlargement during a medical check-up.
From Late Diagnosis to Life-Changing Treatment
Doctors later confirmed Nurdiana had patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect. The condition had gone undiagnosed for 22 years due to the absence of symptoms. She underwent catheter-based closure without open-heart surgery at RSBP Batam and was discharged shortly after the successful procedure.
Nurdiana expressed gratitude for receiving treatment locally under BPJS Kesehatan coverage, encouraging others with similar conditions not to lose hope and seek medical care early.
Strengthening Regional Medical Capabilities
Deputy Director of Medical and Nursing Services at RSBP Batam, Dr. Muhammad Yanto, said the service represents a significant leap for healthcare access in the region. Previously, congenital heart interventions in Batam were limited to pediatric patients, but the hospital can now treat patients from childhood through adulthood.
The key difference lies in the availability of cardiology specialists trained specifically in congenital heart disease across age groups, allowing non-invasive procedures to be safely performed in-house.
Reducing Pressure on National Referral Hospitals
Visiting consultant cardiologist Dr. Radityo Prakoso highlighted the urgency of expanding services beyond Jakarta. He noted that around 6,000 infants in the capital are still waiting for congenital heart treatment, with limited hospital capacity causing dangerous delays.
By offering these services regionally, RSBP Batam helps reduce patient backlogs and lowers the risk of untreated cases, especially for adults whose conditions often remain undiagnosed.
Addressing a National Health Gap
Chair of the Cardiology Medical Staff Group at RSBP Batam, Dr. Afdalun Hakim, stated that congenital heart disease affects approximately 8 to 10 out of every 1,000 live births in Indonesia. Despite this prevalence, specialized facilities and trained doctors remain scarce nationwide.
This gap has forced reliance on social organizations and foundations to assist patients, reinforcing the need for stronger regional hospital services.
Building a Sustainable Referral Center
Beyond patient care, the program serves as a platform for skills transfer to RSBP Batam’s internal medical team. According to cardiologist Dr. Priyandini Wulandari, the hospital is now ready to independently perform congenital heart interventions for neonates, children, and adults.
RSBP Batam aims to evolve into a regional referral center for congenital heart disease in the Riau Islands, ensuring long-term sustainability and broader access to advanced cardiac care.
This breakthrough strengthens Indonesia’s regional healthcare capacity while easing pressure on national hospitals. For communities in Batam and surrounding areas, including those who frequently seek care across borders, the development signals a more resilient and accessible healthcare future for both Indonesians and Singaporeans.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Jawa Pos (2026)
Keywords: Congenital Heart Disease, Adult Heart Patients, RSBP Batam, Non Invasive Cardiology, Indonesian Healthcare
