Four IMU Pharmacy students participated in a three-week Global Mobility Programme at RSUD Dr Soewandhie, Surabaya, Indonesia, organised by Universitas Ciputra. The elective placement provided students with valuable experience in hospital pharmacy practice, insights into Indonesia’s healthcare system, and opportunities for cultural exchange, enhancing their clinical knowledge, communication skills, and cross-cultural competence.

Programme:

Global Mobility Programme (Elective Placement)

Host University:

Universitas Ciputra, Indonesia

Clinical Site:

RSUD Dr Soewandhie, Surabaya

Duration:

3 weeks

Participants (L-R):

• Nirranjani Mahendran
• Zahiratul Adawiyah
• Wajehah Ramzan
• Hakimi Kamis

Four Pharmacy students from IMU University, Nirranjani Mahendran, Zahiratul Adawiyah, Wajehah Ramzan, and Hakimi Kamis recently participated in a three-week elective placement in Surabaya, Indonesia, through a Global Mobility Programme. Organised by Universitas Ciputra and based at RSUD Dr Soewandhie, the programme provided valuable experience in hospital pharmacy practice, alongside cultural exchange opportunities and professional development.

Located in the eastern part of Surabaya, RSUD Dr Soewandhie served as the primary training site, while accommodation was provided at the hospital guest house.

The programme began with an introduction to Indonesia’s healthcare system, including BPJS Kesehatan (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Social (BPJS) Kesehatan) ) and the role of BPOM (Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan).

Throughout the placement, students rotated through various departments, including:

• Outpatient Pharmacy
• Inpatient Pharmacy
• Oncology Pharmacy
• Drug Information Centre (DIC)
• Aseptic Dispensing Unit
• Emergency Department
• Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)

These rotations provided exposure to:

• Medication dispensing
• Medication reconciliation
• Patient counselling
• Adverse drug reaction reporting
• Ward rounds
• Medication safety practices

A highlight of the programme was the inpatient pharmacy rotation:

• Nirranjani and Zahira were assigned to the Dahlia Ward
• Wajehah to the Bougenville Ward
• Hakimi to the Paediatric Ward (Seruni)

Being attached to different wards allowed the students to encounter diverse patient populations and clinical cases while gaining insight into various aspects of clinical pharmacy practice.

The students also attended lectures and educational sessions alongside Indonesian pharmacy students undertaking their profesi training. Topics included

• Evidence-based medicine
• Antimicrobial stewardship
• Oncology pharmacy
• Aseptic dispensing
• Sterilisation processes
• Medication safety

Learning together fostered academic exchange and strengthened professional networks.

Beyond the hospital setting, the programme offered numerous opportunities for cultural immersion. The students explored several iconic attractions in Surabaya, including

• Tugu Pahlawan,
• North Quay Port,
• Wonorejo Mangrove Ecotourism,
• Shanghai Park, and
• Jalan Tunjungan.

They also attended a traditional theatre performance in conjunction with Hari Tarian, providing a deeper appreciation of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

One of the most memorable experiences was a day trip to Mount Bromo and Madakaripura Waterfall, where the students witnessed some of East Java’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

The students participated in a health promotion programme with students from another university, sharing information about traditional medicine practices in Malaysia and engaging in wellness-related activities.

The programme not only broadened the students’ understanding of pharmacy practice in a different healthcare system but also enhanced their:

• Communication skills,
• Cultural competence, and
• Adaptability

It reinforced the value of patient-centred care, teamwork, and lifelong learning in preparing future pharmacists for an increasingly global healthcare environment.

The elective placement at RSUD Dr Soewandhie was truly a rewarding experience that combined academic learning, clinical exposure, and cultural discovery, leaving the students with lasting memories and valuable lessons for their future careers.