PANGKALPINANG -- For nearly four years, Aswandi (51), a resident of Pangkalpinang, has been battling nasopharyngeal cancer that has taken a toll on his health. As his condition has continued to decline, he is no longer able to work, while medical expenses and transportation costs for regular checkups continue to add up.
Amid these circumstances, financial assistance for medical expenses from PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk has brought much-needed relief to Aswandi and his family. The assistance is expected to help cover the costs of the ongoing treatment he requires.
Since being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, Aswandi has had to stop working. He now spends most of his time resting at home while undergoing treatment and attending regular hospital checkups. His condition has also significantly affected the family’s financial situation.
His wife, Rini (47), has now become the family’s primary breadwinner. In addition to working as a cleaning staff member, she also takes on various odd jobs to meet the family’s daily needs while accompanying her husband throughout his treatment.
“My husband has been ill for almost four years. He underwent treatment and medical care in Jakarta for a year in 2023, and his condition improved at the time. However, the cancer later returned and spread to his jaw and cheek area,” Rini said.
According to her, Aswandi’s current condition has increasingly limited his daily activities. He requires assistance even to eat and drink and must attend routine medical checkups every week.
Under these circumstances, transportation costs to the hospital, medications, and other treatment-related expenses have placed an additional financial burden on the family.
Rini expressed her gratitude for the medical assistance provided by PT TIMAH. She said the support has been invaluable in helping the family cover expenses throughout her husband’s treatment.
“Alhamdulillah, PT TIMAH has shown its concern for us. This assistance is extremely valuable to our family in covering treatment-related expenses, transportation for routine checkups, and medications that are not covered by BPJS Kesehatan,” she explained.
For Rini, the assistance has not only helped ease the family’s financial burden but has also provided meaningful support as they continue to cope with Aswandi’s health condition.
She hopes that assistance for people in need will continue, particularly for families facing serious health challenges and financial difficulties.
“We are very grateful to PT TIMAH for the assistance and support they have provided. We hope PT TIMAH will continue to grow and succeed and will be able to keep helping people who are going through difficult times,” Rini concluded. (*)
