MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KUDUS – 1923 marked Muhammadiyah milestone as the socio-religious movement that initiated a health service by establishing Penolong Kesengsaraan Oemoem (PKO/Health Care Center).
President of ‘Aisyiyah Salmah Orbayinah mentioned that the health center establishment was pioneered by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan and Kiai Sudja’.
‘Aisyiyah, as the Muhammadiyah women’s wing, also adopts the notion. Thus, this women’s organization conducts not only preaching and meetings.
This movement has built hospitals. “Aisiyiyah now has 18 hospitals,” said Salmah Orabyinah at the grand opening RS Sarkies ‘Aisyiyah Kudus on Monday (5/6).
The hospital establishment represents the contribution of Muhammadiyah to the people, the nation, and universal humanity.
“We make tangible contributions to our nation through building hospitals. We contribute by providing healthcare facilities and services across Indonesia,” said Salmah.
Reflecting on the history of the PKO establishment, Salmah Orbayinah emphasized that PKO’s historical significance extended beyond founding hospitals. It also encompassed a concept aimed at assisting the vulnerable. The spirit of PKO served as the foundation for orphanages and homes for the poor.
“It’s more than founding hospitals. It is a magnificent idea that transcends boundaries and time. No one could have conceived of it at that time,” said Salmah.
This history demonstrates that, while Muhammadiyah is an Islamic organization founded by the urban or upper-middle-class society, it holds deep concern for the poor, needy, and oppressed. The services are fully committed to helping the less fortunate and the marginalized.
