Water Crisis Disrupts Services at RSUD Massenrempulu Sulsel, Patient Families Must Buy Water for Sanitation

ENREKANG, KOMPAS.com — The clean water crisis not only makes it difficult for patients' families to use the toilets at Massenrempulu Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi, but also disrupts a range of vital hospital needs.

This situation has persisted since August 2026 and is partly influenced by the dry season, which has interrupted the water supply from the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM).

The acting director of RSUD Massenrempulu, drg. Epa Sufiana, admitted the hospital has faced water shortages since she began her tenure on August 24, 2026.

In fact, based on information she received, the problem existed even before she took office.

"Since I started on August 24, 2026, conditions have indeed been marked by water shortages. Honestly, according to information, the water shortage began even before I came in," she said on Sunday (20/9/2026).

She said the limited water supply is a serious issue because water is a vital resource for hospital operations.

The water supply is needed not only for bathrooms and inpatient rooms but also to support various medical and supporting services.

Water is used for the Nutrition Installation, sterilizing medical instruments through the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), washing soiled linens in the Laundry unit, and supporting patient care services.

This situation means the available water cannot meet all the hospital's needs, including water for inpatient rooms.

"The water supply cannot cover all our needs, including the rooms of inpatients," she explained.

Amid this situation, RSUD Massenrempulu received additional water supplies again on Friday (18/9/2026), coming from PDAM and the Enrekang Police Sector.

Patients' families buy gallons of water for sanitation

A family member of a patient, initialed AR, said the water shortage is most felt when they want to use the toilets.

With no running water, patients' families have to purchase gallons of water for daily needs while accompanying their hospitalized relatives.

"We, as the patients' families, complained about the dire water shortage at RSUD Massenrempulu, especially for the toilets that have no water flow," AR explained.

According to AR, this situation forces families to incur additional costs beyond medical expenses.