NUSANEWS.CO.ID -SAMARINDA. RSUD Abdul Wahab Sjahranie continues to strengthen the development of health research and international collaboration networks through the Roundtable Discussion on Research and Training Development held on Monday (May 18) at the Buana Room, 2nd Floor of the Main Building of RSUD AWS.
The event, which took place from 09.30 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. Central Indonesia Time, was also conducted virtually via Zoom Meeting and attended by various strategic stakeholders, including hospital leaders, research teams, academics, as well as government and international partners.
Among those present were East Kalimantan Health Advisor DR dr Muhammad Afzal Mahmood, Deputy Director for Education, Research, and Human Resources of RSUD AWS Masitah, Head of BRIDA Kalimantan Timur Fitriansyah, Head of the Urology Medical Staff Committee of RSUD AWS dr Boyke Soebali, representatives from Universitas Mulawarman, and officials from the East Kalimantan Health Office.
During the forum, participants discussed the progress of three ongoing research teams at RSUD AWS, namely the Urology Research Team, the Health Promotion Research Team (PKRS), and the Nursing Research Team. These projects are a continuation of the 2025 research program, which previously involved seven research teams and is currently undergoing scientific journal publication processes.
Head of BRIDA East Kalimantan Fitriansyah stated that the province currently prioritizes research in three major sectors: food security, energy, and health.
“Health research is one of the most important sectors because it directly impacts people’s quality of life. Therefore, we encourage research outcomes not to stop at journal publications alone, but to be implemented in ways that provide real benefits to society,” he said.
He added that BRIDA East Kalimantan remains committed to supporting innovation development based on local potential, including forest areas, coastal regions, and other regional resources as part of strengthening regional research and innovation.
In addition to focusing on diseases and healthcare services, the forum also highlighted the growing concern over mental health issues, particularly among teenagers. Mental health was considered an important issue that deserves greater attention and could become one of the future focuses of health research development.
One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was strengthening strategic partnerships with universities, including Universitas Airlangga and Universitas Mulawarman. Faculties from Universitas Mulawarman have been actively involved in health promotion projects, research, and intervention programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of hospital staff.
East Kalimantan Health Advisor DR dr Muhammad Afzal Mahmood emphasized that developing a strong research culture within hospitals is essential to support sustainable improvements in healthcare quality.
“A modern hospital should not only function as a healthcare service center, but also as a hub for knowledge development, innovation, and research that can create real impacts for society,” he stated.
According to him, research activities should also involve students as part of the learning process and the strengthening of academic and research culture within the hospital environment.
Meanwhile, the nursing unit at RSUD AWS is currently conducting innovative research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve nursing clinical protocols. The study is considered a modern approach to enhancing standard operating procedures and the overall quality of healthcare services.
At the same time, the Urology Department led by dr Boyke Soebali is carrying out research related to kidney pressure during kidney stone removal procedures using laser technology.
“This research is expected to contribute significantly to improving patient safety and advancing minimally invasive urological procedures,” explained dr Boyke.
As part of efforts to expand international research networks, DR dr Muhammad Afzal Mahmood is also facilitating collaboration with colleagues from University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital. The partnership is expected to elevate RSUD AWS research projects to an international scale.
Through this initiative, RSUD AWS demonstrates its commitment to building an evidence-based medicine research culture, strengthening national and international collaboration, and encouraging the development of health innovations that create tangible benefits for the people of East Kalimantan. (Mei)
