Around 1960, Indonesia enjoyed a close relationship with the Soviet Union. It was a bond that led to a unique gift. Today we stand before the Masjid Jami Rumah Sakit Persahabatan. This friendship between nations led to the establishment of Rumah Sakit Persahabatan. The hospital is located in East Jakarta.
Do you know how the hospital got its name? The name “Persahabatan” translates to “Friendship”. It symbolizes the strong ties between Indonesia and the Soviet Union during that era. The Soviets offered assistance in many areas. One significant contribution was building this hospital.
Construction of the Rumah Sakit Persahabatan began in 1961. Russian engineers directly supervised the three-year project. On November 7, 1963, the Soviet government officially handed over the hospital to Indonesia. This date is celebrated annually as the anniversary of Rumah Sakit Persahabatan. Representatives from the Russian Embassy attend as honored guests.
The Rumah Sakit Persahabatan has evolved since its inception. It features modern facilities. It has expanded its role as a healthcare center. Today it stands as a national referral hospital for respiratory illnesses in Indonesia.
Initially the Rumah Sakit Persahabatan was a branch of RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo. Medical personnel included specialists from RSCM-FKUI and Russian doctors. After the G30SPKI event the Russian doctors returned home. RSCM is the teaching hospital for the Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia. Rumah Sakit Persahabatan also became a teaching hospital for FKUI.
In 1975 the Rumah Sakit Persahabatan gained independence from RSCM. It became a class B-3 general hospital in East Jakarta. The hospital remained a teaching hospital for FKUI. Doctors specialized in respiratory medicine. This led to its recognition as a national referral hospital for lung diseases.
The World Health Organization also recognized the hospital’s achievements. The WHO certified the hospital’s Tuberculosis Germ Laboratory. It became an important “Collaborating Center”.
In 1992 the hospital became a self-supporting hospital. By 1997, it received full accreditation from the Ministry of Health. The ministry designated it to focus on respiratory medicine. It also became the national referral hospital for respiratory health.
Today the Rumah Sakit Persahabatan continues to serve the community. It aims to provide excellent healthcare. Its vision is to be a world-class hospital excelling in respiratory medicine. The Masjid Jami Rumah Sakit Persahabatan provides spiritual support to patients, their families, and hospital staff. It stands as a symbol of faith and healing within the hospital grounds.