Addressing the Specialist Doctor Crisis, Ciputra University’s Faculty of Medicine Officially Opens Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgery Programs
January 24, 2026
SURABAYA (Lentera) — The Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University (FK UC) Surabaya has officially obtained permission to organize the Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS), for two strategic fields, namely Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist (Obgyn) and Surgical Specialist.
This program is expected to provide a concrete solution to the persistent shortage and unequal distribution of specialist doctors in Indonesia, especially in Eastern Indonesia.
The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Ciputra University, Prof. Dr. Hendy Hendarto, SpOG Subsp FER, revealed that based on data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Indonesia still faces a significant shortage of specialist doctors, especially outside Java.
“The national specialist doctor ratio is still below the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, particularly in obstetrics and surgery, which are the backbone of referral health services,” he said on Saturday (January 24, 2026).
He explained that the opening of the PPDS Obgyn and Surgery program is not only aimed at increasing the number of specialist doctors but also at promoting the equitable distribution of national health services.
“For the Obgyn program, we have a specific mission to strengthen the availability of specialist doctors in Eastern Indonesia. Currently, the need for Obgyn doctors remains very high, while their distribution is uneven,” explained Prof. Hendy.
As a manifestation of this commitment, the Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University, is offering a special scholarship program for prospective Resident Doctors (PPDS) students from Eastern Indonesia. This scholarship is accompanied by requirements and a commitment to service, including an obligation to return to their home regions after completing their specialist education.
“We hope that PPDS graduates from Ciputra University will not only excel academically and clinically, but will also be able to make a direct impact on communities in areas currently lacking specialist medical personnel,” he added.
In addition to Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN), the Surgical Specialist Education Program at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) is designed to keep pace with the latest developments in medical technology. The curriculum emphasises mastery of minimally invasive surgical techniques, which are now standard in modern surgical practice because they are considered more effective and accelerate patient recovery.
“Surgical technology is developing very rapidly. Therefore, surgical specialists must not only master conventional techniques but also be competent in minimally invasive surgery to optimise the quality of care,” said Prof. Hendy.
Furthermore, the opening of the PPDS Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Surgery program is also supported by the construction of a special educational tower within the Faculty of Medicine, Ciputra University, designed as a centre for modern and integrated medical education.
“The existence of this facility strengthens Ciputra University’s role as an impactful campus that contributes directly to addressing strategic national challenges in the health sector,” he concluded.