MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya flagged off a walkathon marking the 33rd anniversary of H. Adam Malik Hospital at Merdeka Square in Medan on Sunday, August 30, 2026, before joining the event himself.
Surya completed the five-kilometer route alongside members of the public and other participants. The presence of the North Sumatra deputy governor was not only part of the official program but also underscored his support for promoting a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity.
On the occasion, Surya called for more frequent sporting events and other health-related activities to be held across North Sumatra. He said that the more sporting activities involving the public were organized, the greater the opportunity to raise awareness of physical fitness and prevent various diseases.
"Hopefully, events like this will be held more frequently in North Sumatra in the future so that people can stay healthy and be protected from various diseases. I see that many people now enjoy walking and running, and awareness of the importance of exercise has increased,"
Surya said.
Residents Encouraged to Exercise Regularly
Surya praised the various parties involved in organizing the walkathon for
H. Adam Malik Hospital's 33rd anniversary. In his view, regular sporting events could help establish positive habits within the community.
Exercise, Surya explained, does not necessarily have to involve strenuous activities. People can start with simple activities such as walking or running and consistently incorporate them into their daily routines. Such habits can become part of a healthy lifestyle while helping maintain physical fitness.
"I thank all the parties who organized this activity. If events like this are held regularly, people will become accustomed to exercising, and more people will be encouraged to take part in sports activities,"
Surya said.
Surya also noted growing public interest in sporting activities, particularly running. He described the trend as a positive sign, reflecting increasing public awareness of the importance of exercise in maintaining good health.
Surya expressed hope that this positive trend would continue to grow and receive support from various sectors. The government, healthcare facilities, sports communities and the public can each play a role in creating an environment that encourages people to become more physically active.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE THROUGH EXERCISE: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya calls for sporting events to be held regularly to raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Anniversary Program Features Health Services
In addition to the walkathon, the organizing committee for H. Adam Malik Hospital's 33rd anniversary held a range of activities aimed at providing direct health benefits to the community. These included a blood donation drive, free health screenings and group exercise sessions.
Surya urged residents attending the event to take advantage of the various services and activities available. In his view, health programs held as part of the hospital's anniversary celebrations can provide direct benefits to the community while raising awareness of the importance of regular health checkups.
"Other activities, such as blood donations and free health screenings, should also be utilized by as many people as possible," Surya said.
The free health screenings also served to raise public awareness of individual health conditions. Through regular checkups, potential health problems can be detected at an early stage, allowing appropriate measures to be taken to maintain health.
Meanwhile, the blood donation drive gave members of the public an opportunity to help ensure blood supplies for patients who depend on blood transfusions. At the same time, such initiatives can strengthen social solidarity and promote a spirit of mutual assistance, which can be fostered through the hospital's anniversary celebrations.
BLOOD DONATION AND FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS:
North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya encourages residents to take part in various activities marking
H. Adam Malik Hospital's 33rd anniversary, including blood donation and free health screenings. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
Adam Malik Hospital Strengthens Healthy Living Campaign
The 33rd anniversary of
H. Adam Malik Hospital, marked by the walkathon and various health activities, also served as an opportunity to further strengthen the campaign for a healthy lifestyle among the people of North Sumatra.
The event at Merdeka Square in Medan brought together government representatives, medical personnel, sports communities and residents in a shared atmosphere of physical activity. The participation of North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya in the five-kilometer walkathon also highlighted the importance of encouraging the public to engage in regular exercise.
The North Sumatra provincial government hopes public awareness of regular physical activity will continue to increase. This effort should not be limited to major events held on special occasions, but should also be reflected in everyday habits that people can adopt independently and sustain over the long term.
This approach is in line with efforts to encourage people to visit healthcare facilities not only when health problems arise, but also to take preventive measures beforehand. Physical activity, a balanced diet, regular health screenings and a healthy lifestyle are important components in improving the overall health and quality of life of the community.
Surya attended the event alongside the First Expert of the North Sumatra Family Welfare Movement (TP PKK), Titiek Sugiharti; Assistant for General Administration Muhammad Suib; Head of the North Sumatra Health Office Faisal Hasrimy; Head of the North Sumatra Youth and Sports Office Mahfullah Pratama; and President Director of
H. Adam Malik Hospital Zainal Safri.
The presence of several North Sumatra provincial government officials and H. Adam Malik Hospital executives supported the implementation of the various activities marking the hospital's 33rd anniversary. The initiatives are expected to go beyond an annual ceremony and encourage as many people as possible to make exercise and regular health checkups a consistent part of their daily lives. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala