Dompet Dhuafa USA is proud to share the progress of a new initiative in Batam, Indonesia, where a Pilot Free Ultrasound Program successfully expanded women’s access to vital reproductive health services. The pilot, implemented by local partners and supported through the broader mission of Dompet Dhuafa, combined medical checks with an educational session on uterine health led by Dr. Adrianti, Sp.OG.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to empowering women through early detection, accessible care, and increased health awareness, values that align closely with Dompet Dhuafa USA’s global humanitarian mission.
Strong Participation Shows Women’s Health Needs Are Growing
Held at Masjid Agung Batam, the program welcomed 35 women for a reproductive health education session and provided free ultrasound examinations to four pregnant mothers. A team of seven health volunteers supported the program, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for beneficiaries.
The pilot was made possible through collaboration with key partners, including:
- Masjid Agung Batam
- Paskas Batam
- Puskesmas Baloi Indah
- Ambulans Relawan Kesehatan
These local partnerships play an essential role in connecting critical health services to underserved communities.
Pilot Findings Reveal Both High Demand and Operational Challenges
As Dompet Dhuafa USA reviewed the initial findings, it became clear that the demand for accessible reproductive health services is significantly higher than the current supply. Online registration for the free ultrasound slots exceeded expectations, even though limited time allowed for only ten appointments. However, attendance inconsistency on the event day highlighted the need for a more structured registration and confirmation system.
Based on partner insights, several operational improvements are planned:
- Separate registration forms for pregnant women and general uterine health checks
- Clearer communication regarding appointment confirmation
- A more reliable attendance system, including policies to reduce last-minute cancellations
Another important finding from the pilot is the need for a dedicated ultrasound physician who can support the program regularly to ensure continuity and scale.
Education Remains a Powerful Tool for Community Engagement
The reproductive health education session resonated strongly with participants, especially among Islamic community groups and local women’s circles. However, the pilot suggests that integrating education directly into the ultrasound process may enhance the program’s effectiveness by reaching beneficiaries in smaller, more focused groups.
Capacity Building for Local Volunteers
One of the program’s encouraging outcomes is the strengthened capacity of local volunteers. Volunteers learned how to assist in ultrasound procedures, manage service flow, and identify on-the-ground challenges; an essential foundation for building more effective and sustainable community health programs.
Uncovering Deeper Realities in Women’s Health
The pilot also shed light on a critical issue: many women in Batam still face cultural and financial barriers that prevent them from seeking reproductive health care. Topics related to uterine health remain sensitive, and some women avoid medical consultations even when experiencing serious symptoms.
By creating a safe environment for open discussion and screening, the program helped address this gap, encouraging early detection and empowering women to take charge of their health.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Women’s Health Services
The Free Ultrasound Pilot Program represents an important step toward a long-term strategy supporting women’s health in Indonesia. Dompet Dhuafa USA remains committed to advancing this mission by strengthening systems, building partnerships, and developing sustainable models that can be replicated across different regions.
As interest and demand continue to grow, Dompet Dhuafa USA aims to support the expansion of this program; ensuring that more women can access the health services, education, and early detection tools they urgently need.
For donors and supporters who make these efforts possible, this pilot provides a clear message:
Your contribution directly impacts women’s health, dignity, and quality of life.
