FK-KMK UGM. Prof. dr. Indah Kartika Murni, Sp.A(K)., M.Kes, Ph.D has successfully obtained the title of Professor in the Field of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) after the inauguration held on Tuesday (13/08) at the Balai Senat, 2nd Floor, Gedung Pusat UGM.
Through a research speech entitled “Implementation of Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening Using Pulse Oximeters in Newborns: Applying Local Evidence to National Policy”, Prof. Ita is now one of the active Professors at FK-KMK UGM.
The research was chosen because critical congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the contributors to the high infant mortality rate (IMR) in Indonesia. Delays in diagnosis and limited equipment in several health services also encouraged Prof. Ita to conduct research related to the use of a simple PJB screening tool, namely a pulse oximeter that is already available in every health facility, including primary health facilities (FKTP).
“In FKTP, pulse oximeters can be used for newborns with the aim of checking oxygen saturation which is cost-effective, does not harm the baby, and is easy to detect critical PJB,” explained Prof. Ita.
She also emphasized the importance of the role of health workers in the initial screening process and the decision to make a referral to a secondary health facility (FKTL). “If critical PJB cases can be referred and diagnosed as early as possible, then management in tertiary hospitals will be more optimal and in the long term, deaths due to critical PJB can be reduced,” explained Prof. Ita.
Inauguration of Prof. dr. Indah Kartika Murni, Sp.A(K)., M.Kes, Ph.D as a Professor in the field of Child Health Science, and her research focus in the implementation of the use of pulse oximeters as an early screening for critical PJB in newborns, shows a strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goal number 3 on Healthy and Prosperous Life at various age levels, and SDG 4: Quality Education. (Contributor: Ifah).
