Tokushukai Medical Group, Discusses Health Workforce Partnership: More Than Just an MoU, Concrete Steps Needed
Main Conference Room, UIN News Online – Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Jakarta recently hosted a visit from Tokushukai Medical Group to discuss collaboration on human resource development for the establishment of a new hospital in Indonesia. The discussion took place in the Main Conference Room on Friday, August 13, 2024, and was attended by Vice-Rector for Cooperation, Din Wahid, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Achmad Zaki, Head of the Nursing Program, Maftuhah, M.Kes., Ph.D., and Secretary of the Nursing Program, Dr. Ita Yuanita, S.Kp., M.Kes., along with other key stakeholders.
Din Wahid warmly welcomed the collaborative initiative, stating that more than just a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is needed; concrete steps are essential for successful cooperation. He also highlighted the challenges in teaching Japanese to UIN Jakarta students, with the target of achieving at least N3 level proficiency, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in Japanese language instruction.
Masako Yaginuma, Nurse Division General Manager of Tokushukai Medical Group, discussed the growing demand for healthcare workers in Japan due to the aging population and a shortage of caregivers. She expressed Tokushukai's interest in partnering with UIN Jakarta because the university upholds Islamic values and emphasizes respect for the elderly, a crucial principle for their group. "Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this collaboration," she said.
Maftuhah M.Kes., Ph.D., Head of the Nursing Professional Program, explained that 47% of UIN Jakarta Nursing Program graduates are interested in working in Japan for a period of 3-5 years. Upon completing their tenure, they are expected to return to Indonesia to assist Tokushukai Medical Group. Maftuhah also stressed the importance of understanding Japanese culture and work ethic.
"We have a strong alumni network. If this new hospital collaborates with us, we are ready to contribute, both in terms of education and workforce," she added.
Finally, Dr. Achmad Zaki, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, emphasized that the faculty has been operational for 20 years, producing over 1,000 doctors. He highlighted the development of geriatrics, a key focus area at UIN Jakarta, and expressed readiness to collaborate in supplying medical professionals, particularly in geriatrics. "We are ready to collaborate if Tokushukai opens a hospital in Indonesia," he affirmed.
To move the partnership forward, Din Wahid suggested a follow-up Zoom meeting to discuss career opportunities in the healthcare sector. The discussion concluded with optimism for a closer collaboration between Tokushukai Medical Group and UIN Jakarta to advance healthcare development in Indonesia.
Photo Documentation:
(Shely Nurloka/Fauziah M./Dzihan Aufa Kilmi Firdausi/Photo: M. Fahri Afrizal, Hermanudin)