There are stories you hear about people who dedicate their lives to something bigger than themselves, and they make you stop and think, “How can I be a part of something like that?” For me, that thought hit especially hard when I learned about Ahmad Hasyim Wibisono and his work with Pedis Care. His commitment to improving the lives of people with chronic wounds—often facing severe health complications due to diabetes and other conditions—is both humbling and inspiring.
Indonesia has one of the highest numbers of adult diabetes cases globally, a reality that translates to an immense need for quality wound care. But the high demand doesn’t necessarily mean that good, affordable treatment is easy to find, especially for people who struggle financially. It was this gap in accessible healthcare that sparked Hasyim’s journey in 2019, when he established Pedis Care in Malang, East Java. Driven by a vision of sustainable healthcare that doesn’t leave anyone behind, he has built a community-centered approach to healing that’s as innovative as it is compassionate.
Empathy in Action for a Sustainable Future in Health
Pedis Care is unique in many ways, one of them being its seamless blend of modern technology and accessible treatment. With an Android-based app, Pedis Care has developed a way to accurately analyze wound dimensions, making it easier to monitor and manage chronic wounds. This approach is not only precise but also highly effective, with an 88% healing success rate for diabetic wounds within an average treatment period of 11 weeks. For patients dealing with these serious health issues, this technology means faster, more effective care that minimizes suffering.
The success of Pedis Care lies in Hasyim’s commitment to empathy-driven innovation. Recognizing that many of his patients couldn’t afford consistent medical care, Hasyim created a “cross-subsidy” model. In this system, patients who can afford to pay a standard rate for their treatments help subsidize care for those less financially stable. It’s a model of mutual support where the more privileged patients empower others to receive essential treatments that they otherwise couldn’t afford. For many, this system has been a lifeline, sometimes even saving them from the grim prospect of amputation—a common risk among diabetes patients who don’t get proper wound care.
One story that particularly moved me was how Hasyim extended Pedis Care’s reach beyond the clinic, creating a homecare program that allows for even greater accessibility. Patients who are immobile or located far from the clinic can receive care at home, where Hasyim’s team provides the same high-quality treatment, often at reduced or even no cost. It’s this personalized care that truly sets Pedis Care apart, as it not only addresses patients’ physical needs but respects their dignity and humanity. For someone grappling with a chronic wound, having a healthcare provider that comes to their home can make all the difference in their quality of life.
But Hasyim didn’t stop there. He understood that to create a sustainable model, he needed to invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Pedis Care has since grown to include educational initiatives, offering regular seminars, workshops, and even national-level training sessions on modern wound care techniques. These events are often offered at low or no cost to healthcare workers, further contributing to a network of trained professionals ready to carry forward Hasyim’s vision of accessible healthcare. There’s also an online class for anyone interested in learning these vital skills, extending Pedis Care’s influence well beyond the walls of the clinic.
In 2019, Pedis Care received a well-deserved recognition: the SATU Indonesia Award from PT Astra International. This award celebrates young Indonesians who have made impactful contributions to society, and Hasyim’s work exemplifies this mission. Through Pedis Care, Hasyim didn’t just build a clinic; he built a sustainable healthcare community that empowers both his patients and the broader public. Receiving the SATU Indonesia Award was not only a personal achievement for Hasyim but also a significant acknowledgment of the innovative and compassionate healthcare model he had created.
When I reflect on Hasyim’s journey, it’s clear that his achievements are a blend of technical skill, empathy, and a relentless drive to make a difference. His approach has set a new standard for healthcare, one that treats patients not merely as cases to be solved but as people deserving of dignity, care, and respect. His work reminds me that making a lasting impact doesn’t always require large-scale initiatives. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as listening to a need and responding in a way that is as thoughtful as it is practical.
As I think about what the future holds, I find myself deeply inspired by Hasyim’s example. His work with Pedis Care shows me that it’s possible to build something lasting, something that benefits not only individual lives but also contributes to a more inclusive, compassionate society. The values he upholds—working together, creating opportunities, and sustaining lives—resonate with my own aspirations. One day, I hope to contribute to a cause with the same dedication and creativity, finding ways to combine innovation with empathy to make a real difference in people’s lives.
At its core, Hasyim’s story is about togetherness, action, and sustainability. By prioritizing the well-being of his community, he’s created a model that others, including myself, can look to as a guide. Through collaboration and a deep respect for those he serves, he has shown that healthcare can be both sustainable and humane. His legacy isn’t just in the lives he’s saved, but in the spirit of unity and support he has fostered.
As we each consider our paths forward, I hope we can embrace this same spirit—working together, creating new solutions, and striving for a sustainable future where everyone has the chance to live a healthy, dignified life. In the end, that’s what matters most: that we find ways to lift each other up, to share what we have, and to care for one another in ways that last. (*)
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