Paramita, Putu Sri Agung Paramita Kelakan

Fellow

My name is Paramita and I come from Indonesia. As a doctor and a law graduate, fairness and equality in public health are important to me. I have worked mostly as medical doctor in remote rural areas where infrastructure is often poor or missing. Through my practice, I have seen obvious health disparity between the patients I serve in rural areas and in cities.

I have seen how lack of information in rural areas has led to low public awareness on health, which often resulted in poor health outcomes of the community. Limited access to electricity and communication put the community a few steps behind of those who live in big cities. In addition people often could hardly get proper medical care and had difficulties getting to the nearest health facility due to the bad roads. This was especially the case after rains.

I am convinced that health is much broader than healthcare. When people mention public health, I think about culture, policy, environment, and even politics. I believe, that next to diseases and lifestyle, these things play important roles in people’s health.


I am convinced that health is much broader than healthcare. When people mention public health, I think about culture, policy, environment, and even politics. I believe, that next to diseases and lifestyle, these things play important roles in people’s health. Good development policies are crucial for health equity. Culture is also an important factor in community health. In rural areas, especially with indigenous tribes, sometimes people rejected medication due to cultural reasons and beliefs.

Serve back in rural areas in Indonesia with more knowledge

During this master’s programme I look forward to discussing with public health professionals about similar problems in their countries. After my studies I plan to serve back in rural areas in Indonesia with more knowledge about health policy and management. I look forward to cooperate with the Government of Indonesia to create suitable policies in order to achieve health equity for all.