KARIMUN -- The past two years have not been easy for Santi Marliza. A resident of Kampung Bukit Merang, Meral Kota Urban Village, Meral District, Karimun Regency, Riau Islands, she has had to undergo regular medical examinations and treatment, including traveling to Jakarta, due to a heart condition.
Amid these circumstances, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk provided financial assistance to help cover the medical expenses of the mother of two. The assistance, provided through the company’s Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Program, is expected to help ease the financial burden of her treatment.
Santi previously underwent surgery in Jakarta. However, her treatment is not yet complete, as she still requires intensive care and regular follow-up appointments in Batam, which involve considerable expenses.
“I underwent surgery in Jakarta, but I am still receiving intensive treatment in Batam because the new heart valve is still being evaluated. I have to go to Batam for a checkup once a month,” she said.
She explained that her husband works as a construction laborer with an irregular income that is only sufficient to cover the family’s daily needs. When she needed medical treatment, the family struggled to cover the expenses because only part of the treatment costs were covered by Indonesia’s National Health Insurance (BPJS Kesehatan).
Throughout her treatment, assistance from PT TIMAH has provided meaningful support for Santi and her family. The assistance can be used to help cover treatment-related needs, including transportation costs from Karimun to Batam.
“From Karimun, I usually have to travel to Batam. The expenses can be quite significant, especially if we have to stay overnight. Sometimes we stay at a temporary lodging facility,” she said.
Santi said the assistance means a great deal to her family amid their limited financial circumstances. She admitted that she had not expected to receive support to help cover her medical expenses.
“This is very helpful for people in need like us. At first, I never expected to receive assistance from PT TIMAH. I was hesitant to apply, but in the end, I received support. I hope PT TIMAH will continue to help people in need in the future,” she said. (*)
